This course will provide you with an anthropological framework through which to explore
representations of culture through film. You will also begin to recognize and understand your
own subjectivity/reflexivity through the process. The discussion section assignment is designed
as an opportunity for you to employ the analytical tools provided in the course by analyzing a
documentary film from the list below. All films are available via Netflix. Please notify your TA
if you are unable to access a film.
20 Feet From Stardom
Food Chain$
Hitler’s Children
Lost Angels
Paris is Burning
Undefeated
Wasteland
For this assignment, you have the option of writing a 45 page, thesisdriven essay OR giving a
5minute oral presentation for the class. If you are planning to do an oral presentation, you must
notify your TA of your plans no later than Tuesday, June 2 and email your completed
Powerpoint to your TA before lecture on JUNE 8.
In both cases, you must critically examine one of the above documentary films, using the ideas
and concepts you have learned in this course. All papers and presentation outlines are due AT
THE BEGINNING OF LECTURE ON MONDAY, JUNE 8. The essential elements to be
covered in this assignment encompass the following tasks:
● Write a short summary of the content of the film (a paragraph will be enough).
● Use the concepts and ideas introduced in this course to analyze this film. Examples of the
concepts that can be used include, but are not limited to: politics of representation, visual
imperialism, transparency and the intersubjective nature of film. You may use one or
more of these concepts in your analysis (You want to probably work through no more
than three concepts). (You may also make use of the questions in the “guide To
Analyzing Film” in structuring your analysis –See Blackboard Course Documents/
Course Resources).
● Focus on the ethnographic elements of the documentary film noting some similarities and
differences between an ethnographic approach to film and the narrative structure of the
documentary film you have selected to analyze.
● Evaluate the film’s effectiveness, editing choices, and other stylistic dimensions (It would
be wise to focus on 23 key moments/scenes in the filmdoing more than this will lead to
a disorganized paper/presentation).
Oral Presentation Requirements:
If you are planning to do an oral presentation, you must notify your TA of your plans no later
than Tuesday, June 2 and email your completed Powerpoint to your TA before lecture on
JUNE 8.
Following the guidelines above, construct an argumentdriven Powerpoint presentation, on
which you outline your claims and analysis of the film while discussing them with the class.
Essay Technical Requirements:
● HARD COPY
● Heading that includes your name, the Course number, and your TA (No full title page
necessary)
● 45 pages, doublespaced
● Numbered Pages
● Stapled
● 1” margins
● Times New Roman, 12pt
Writing Center:
The Writing Center, located on the second floor of Taper Hall, facilitates oneonone
consultations between students and writing tutors. During these halfhour sessions, students can
receive help with any issues that they might be having at any stage of the writing process. You
can make an appointment with the Writing Center in person or over the phone by calling
2137403691. Please opt to have your TA notified that you’ve used the writing center when
you check in at the beginning of your appointment.
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