Women Filmmakers Term Paper: Write an 8-10 page term paper on a woman filmmaker and at least one of their films (more than one is fine too) related to the perspective and messaging, including discussion of the filmmaking technique (as an artistic expression of the perspective and messaging).
Women Filmmakers Term Paper: Write an 8-10 page term paper on a woman filmmaker and at least one of their films (more than one is fine too) related to the perspective and messaging, including discussion of the filmmaking technique (as an artistic expression of the perspective and messaging). This will include a Works Cited page at the end of the paper. Who is the director, what is the film (or films) trying to say in terms of messaging and perspective, and how do they convey that content in a cinematic format. Think about elements of visual style, such as: staging, acting, editing, lighting, camera perspective (e.g. camera angles, framing, POV [point of view] shots, if any), camera movement, shot distance (e.g. close-ups vs. long distance shots), etc. Also, consider the use of music (score, soundtrack), silence, and sound effects. Begin with an introduction to the filmmaker and consider 3-5 scenes to analyze as main points for your paper.
Papers should be at least eight pages in length and MLA style bibliographies (8th Edition) should include at least five text sources. Are there political meanings behind these choices? Are there key themes? Be specific and descriptive. Using critical reflection, persuasive argumentation, and detailed evidence build a clear and strong case for your thesis. Begin with a research question, like: How does Ladybird cinematically convey the perspective of female youth in a coming of age film? The thesis (often the last thing you finalize) –answers that question in a single sentence, but is part of your introduction as well as the conclusion. A term paper proposal (with a proposed outline for your paper) will also be required along with an annotated bibliography. That assignment involves citing your 5 sources and giving a detailed analysis of each source, both summarizing it and evaluating its usefulness for your term paper.
You should make a persuasive argument using strong critical analysis, clear citations from researched texts, and descriptive examples from films using academically appropriate vocabulary. Papers should be well-edited for spelling and grammar. This assignment assesses your ability to synthesize course materials and apply what you have learned in class to other films.
*Hints for your term paper: Make sure these term papers (and other assignments) are well-edited; that matters with grading. Using critical reflection, persuasive argumentation, and detailed evidence build a clear and strong case for your thesis. Your thesis is simply your argument in one sentence that goes at the front of your paper after you ask your research question. What question or questions does your paper try and answer? Can you phrase the result of your research in a single sentence? That is your thesis statement. Start your introduction with a research question and a summary of your points and end your introduction with a strong thesis statement. Organize your paper into 3-5 main points and make sure to have a well-developed conclusion.
When trying to arrive at a topic for your term paper, I would advise first running a Google search on films directed by women, which will bring up several ‘greatest’ lists. Here is one list for example of 150 films: https://www.indiewire.com/feature/female-directors-best-movies-directed-by-women-1202045399/ These lists vary dramatically, but as you come up with a film or films by a woman filmmaker, you will want to check out the film content summary on www.IMDB.com and Wikipedia, just to get a sense as to what the film is and whether it matches up with your interests or not.
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