Response Paper

FA/FILM 1401 6.0 Introduction to Film (For Non-Majors) Fall/Winter 09-10 - McCullough

RESPONSE PAPER ASSIGNMENT SHEET

Due Oct. 27/28, in tutorials

- This is worth 10% of your final grade

- Late penalty: 5% per day off the graded result (not including weekends)

A response paper is a short essay that is focused on specific information and reflection on particular issues. For this assignment you will be evaluated on the quality of your writing as well as the quality of your discussion of the following question. The question must be answered clearly, with references to relevant readings and screenings, and you should endeavour to organize your response paper as a critical essay. That is, the best essays will show evidence of an ability to synthesize a coherent response. When substantiating your argument you should make explicit reference to scenes in the films, mentioning techniques and formal qualities that illustrate your point. You should also refer to the readings, citing your sources accurately in footnotes, endnotes, or a bibliography (you should use a style guide with which you are familiar). For help with citation styles, please refer to the Scott Library website and search for on-line help with essay writing. If you have difficulty with writing you should consult the Centre for Academic Writing at 416-736-5134.

Your response paper should be ~5 pages (1250-1500 words, each page numbered not incl. the cover page), double-spaced, ~3 cm margins, 12 pt font, black ink on white paper, stapled in the upper left, with a cover page that includes: Title: RESPONSE PAPER; Course Title & Number: INTRODUCTION TO FILM, FILM 1401; Tutorial Number; Tutorial Leader’s name; Your Name & Student Number; Date.

Academic Honesty:

Any thesis or research which you borrow from another writer should be cited in a footnote, endnote or by other acceptable form of reference to source material. Theft of intellectual property is dealt with harshly by the university and can lead to academic penalty. Among other things, the Senate Policy on Academic Honesty discusses offences such as cheating; submission of one piece of work in satisfaction of two assignments without prior consent; impersonation; plagiarism and other misappropriation of the work of another; abuse of confidentiality; falsification or forgery of documents; obstruction of the academic activities of another; and aiding or abetting academic misconduct. If you are unclear about these definitions, please consult the course director or visit this location: http://www.yorku.ca/secretariat/legislation/senate/acadhone.htm

Note: If you miss handing in work at a tutorial, you should submit the work (prior to 4pm of the due date) to the assignment drop box, which is located on the wall beside 223 CFT. Please put your tutorial leader’s name clearly on the cover page, and verify later that they have received it. Due to the large number of students in the course, no email submissions are accepted.

Please answer the following question in a 5 page response paper:

Discuss narrative elements in Robert Flaherty’s Nanook of the North (US, 1922) indicating how its formal structure creates meaning for its audience. How can the concept “the cinema of attractions” help us understand the structure of Nanook, Cops (US, 1922, Buster Keaton) and Wizard of Oz (US, 1939, Victor Fleming)?