Students will work together in groups of two or three to create a 15- to 20-minute analysis of a selected clip from Man with a Movie Camera, Metropolis, or Modern Times. The presentation should focus on the formal, thematic, or ideological significance of the clip. While the presentation involves collaborative analysis of a scene, group members do not have to agree in their interpretations, nor do they have to offer “the final word” on the film. In fact, engaging multiple, sometimes conflicting, readings of a scene prevents us from reducing a work to a single meaning or theme. Presenters will use visual aids (PowerPoint, film clip, images, transparencies, handouts) to structure their remarks and underscore key points. Groups should conclude their presentations with two or three questions for class discussion. Because oral presentations and film analysis can prove challenging, groups should meet with me to discuss their ideas before the presentation date.
The presentation assignment has several goals. It requires groups to apply concepts from course readings to a specific film. The process of breaking down the elements of a scene and developing an interpretation of those elements in dialogue with others will allow group members to practice close reading, a skill they will draw upon when composing the midterm, the article critique, and the take-home final. Since students will discuss Man with a Movie Camera, Metropolis, and Modern Times in their midterms, the presentation represents an opportunity to receive feedback on ideas-in-progress. In addition, presenters will learn as they teach others and contribute multiple critical perspectives to class discussion.
Follow the links below for more information on the group presentation.
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