You should structure your paper as follows:
Briefly summarize the content of the film. What is the story being told? Why is it being told? Please do not try to recap the entire film. Just provide the main idea and historical context of the film. You should be able to do this in one paragraph.
At the end of your summary of the film, present your argument about whether you think this film is a good representation of history. Explain briefly in a sentence or two the points you feel compare well to the text or what does not. In other words, you will be previewing the argument and examples you will present in the next section.
Second, discuss the film in relevance to the textbook and discussions. How well did the film represent the material? Keep in mind there are often not direct relationships between the text and the film. For example, if the film is about a specific person, the text may not cover that person’s biography in detail, but I choose the films as much for the way they represent history visually as much as literally. In other words, what goes on in the background of the film can be as important as what is right up front. Visuals of dress, social attitudes, economic conditions, etc. all can be portrayed clearly without it being the main focus of the film. If you have questions about making comparisons, please do not hesitate to ask. Choose two issues in the text that were portrayed with historical accuracy in the film and explain why. Also choose one issue in the text that you feel was portrayed inaccurately in the film. Again, be sure to explain why. You can do more or less, but be sure to compare three specific issues at the least. Outside sources, i.e. internet discussions of the film, should not be used without permission.
Last, discuss the value of the film. Was it helpful to you personally in explaining the time period or event in question? Knowing what you know about the subject of the film, would you recommend the film to others interested in the topic? Explain why or why not. Do not suggest that you would not recommend the film because it is a chick flick or that because the movie was simply not good or too long. The recommendation should be based on whether or not the film helped further your learning about history.
Be specific when discussing particular scenes as evidence. I would also expect citations for references to the book or lecture. Use a parenthetical citation, for example, (Kagan, p.124). Also, correctness of grammar, spelling and punctuation along with overall clarity of expression are essential ingredients of writing. Therefore grammar, spelling and style in general will count significantly in the evaluation of your paper. Be especially careful to use complete sentences and avoid random variations of tense. There is a folder on the lessons page with helpful information about organizing an essay.
Film options: brief summaries provided by IMDb.com
Michael Collins (1996) – Historical biopic of Irish revolutionary Michael Collins, the man who led a guerrilla war against the UK, helped negotiate the creation of the Irish Free State, and led the National Army during the Irish Civil War.
Chariots of Fire (1981) – Two British track athletes, one a determined Jew and the other a devout Christian, compete in the 1924 Olympics.
Gandhi (1982) – The life of the lawyer who became the famed leader of the Indian revolts against the British rule through his philosophy of nonviolent protest.
Schindler’s List (1993) – In Poland during World War II, Oskar Schindler gradually becomes concerned for his Jewish workforce after witnessing their persecution by the Nazis.
The Pianist (2002) – A Polish Jewish musician struggles to survive the destruction of the Warsaw ghetto of World War II.
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