Reference no: EM131233132

Documentary Project Guidelines

Directions: Students will choose one documentary from the list (see below) and write a research project about the film and its main topic. Documentaries are not all available in the library. Other possible sources are: Netflix, iTunes, local public libraries, and free websites (Google the film title and "streaming"). After watching the movie, students will turn in a 3-6 page paper. Students will have to use both the textbook "Introduction to American Government" as well as two academic sources (must be from a library book or online database, and cited using APA style citation).

SUBMISSION: Please submit your final paper to the Safe Assignment Drop Box (Documentary Project) on Canvas.

DEADLINE: November 23rd, 2016 by Midnight. Late papers will be accepted with a ten point penalty per day.

Mechanical Requirements:

-Minimum 3 pages; Maximum 6
-Typed: Times New Roman or Cambria; 12 point font
-Double space; 1 inch margins
-Word count must be included
-Use in text citations (APA Style) at the end of sentences containing cited material. For information on APA style citation, please refer to:https://www.citationmachine.net/apa/

The project will be submitted in three phases; the first two parts, followed by the full project.

PART 1:

Rough copy of your summary of the movie (1-2 pages):In your own words, write a summary of the documentary you chose. Make sure to include at least the following:

a) What was the main topic of the film? (What was the film about?)

b) What was the goal/thesis/argument of the film? (This is not the same as what the film was about or the topic of the film)

c) Include specific details from the movie (quotes, facts, etc.).

PART 2:

Academic sources (1 page)

a) Find two outside academic sources that relate to the topic of your film. Sources must be a library book or an academic (peer reviewed) source. These can be found through the libraries online databases (I recommend JSTOR).

b) Put thesetwo sources in APA style citation submit this as a "References" page.

c) Write a 4-5 sentence summary or abstract of each source.

PART 3:

Synthesis

Discuss how the maintopic/theme relates to one chapter from our textbook, "Introduction to American Government" AND the two outside academic sources. What does your book have to say about the topic? Do the articles say the same thing? Something different? (1-2 pages, at least two paragraphs)

Please use in-text citations when using a source: APA Style citations look like this (Fiske, 2016).

Reaction

Then give me your reaction to the film and your opinions. What are your thoughts on the main topic? What did you learn? Did you think the movie was bias in anyway? (1-2 pages, at least two paragraphs)

Combine this part (Part 3) to the writing from Part 1 to create one document. Make sure that you include WORD COUNT and a Reference Page with your three sources (2 outside sources and the textbook). You do not need a cover page or abstract.

Submit this final copyto the Turnitin Drop Box. Late submissions will be accepted, with a 10 point penalty for each day it is late. Papers must be submitted in the Turnitin Drop Box or they will not receive a grade.

Additional websites to view documentaries

https://www.netflix.com

https://watchdocumentary.org/

https://topdocumentaryfilms.com/

https://www.youtube.com

List of documentaries for Documentary Project

14 Women (2007): Women in Politics

2016: Obama's America (2012): President Obama

Bowling for Columbine (2002): Gun Culture/Gun Control

CitizenFour (2014): Domestic Surveillance

Control Room (2003): Media/War on Terror

Food Stamped (2010): Poverty/Food stamps

Houston, We Have a Problem (2008): Energy/Oil

I.O.U.S.A. (2008): Economics/Debt

Into The Abyss (2011)- Crime/Capital Punishment

Inside Job (2010): Wall Street/Economics

No End In Sight (2007): The Iraq War/Foreign Policy

Outfoxed (2004): Media

Outrage (2009): LGBT/Social Policy

Page One: Inside the New York Times (2011): Media

Red State (2006)Not Red State directed by Kevin Smith (2011): Elections/Conservatism

Right America: Feeling Wronged (2009): 2008 election/Republicans

Sicko (2007): Healthcare

The Best Government Money Can Buy? (2009): Lobbying

The End of America (2008): Democracy/Dictatorship

The Invisible War (2012): Women/Military

Unconstitutional: The War on Our Civil Liberties (2004): Terrorism/Civil Liberties

Waiting for "Superman" (2010): Education.