Paper Description:
Your Capstone Project will require you to complete a historical film analysis/review. Every year, new films come out that pertain to American History. Film is a very powerful medium and can shape the perceptions and beliefs people have on a certain topic. Your task will be to argue whether or not the film of your choice is historically accurate. Thus, your thesis should be well-defined. We will complete this project by working through steps that you must complete in chronological order. This will require work both in school and at home – do not leave this assignment to the last minute. You will be watching a movie related to American History and write a six-seven page essay reviewing the film. You will need to examine the plot, theme, and historical significance of the film.
Paper Structure:
Your Capstone Project will require you to complete a historical film analysis/review. Every year, new films come out that pertain to American History. Film is a very powerful medium and can shape the perceptions and beliefs people have on a certain topic. Your task will be to argue whether or not the film of your choice is historically accurate. Thus, your thesis should be well-defined. We will complete this project by working through steps that you must complete in chronological order. This will require work both in school and at home – do not leave this assignment to the last minute. You will be watching a movie related to American History and write a six-seven page essay reviewing the film. You will need to examine the plot, theme, and historical significance of the film.
Paper Structure:
- Introductory Paragraph
You must include the title of the movie, the year it was made, the time period and setting, and your thoughts on what this film is about. Additionally, include a thesis statement regarding the quality and content of the film. - Summary of History Surrounding the Film (1-2 pages)
Write a one to two page summary of the history that surrounds the movie. Explain the events that provide the setting of the movie.
- Analysis Paragraphs (3-4 pages)
This is the part of the paper that you will expand on through plot/scene summaries and a critical analysis of the film’s historical value. You need to examine what was and was not included in the film. In order to assess the accuracy of the film, you will need to have resources to find out the facts surrounding your topic. You will need at least THREE primary source documents to compare to the film’s content. In addition, you will need to examine one documentary film that pertains to your topic, so that you can compare a documentary to a feature film. You will also need to have at least THREE other historical references. How does the research compare or contrast to the director's portrayal? Make sure that they are valid sources of information!! - Conclusion/ Personal Commentary Paragraph
In your conclusion, make a statement as to whether you would recommend this movie to future AP History students, and explain why you would or would not. Additionally, reflect upon your research process. Options include, but are not limited to:- How did you feel about the research process? What were some of your challenges? How did your overcome them? What did you enjoy most/least? Is this a skill that you think will help you in the future?
- Include a paragraph that highlights what it might have been like to live during the time period that the film covers. What would have been the positive and negative issues that you would have to deal with? Would you have enjoyed living during this time period. Be sure to refer to things that about the era that you learned from the movie.
- Synthesis - What are the long term effects of the events shown in the film? How does it compare to other events in history? Are there any current events connections that relate to the topics shown in your film? Why is this an important area of history to study?
Due Dates
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