Your analysis should be at least 2,000 words in length, and not more than 2,500. It should be divided into two approximately equal parts, one reflective and the other critical. The paper should double-spaced, with 1” margins. The font should be 11-point Times New Roman, Cambria, or Helvetica. It should be submitted in the appropriate place on cuLearn by the deadline and a paper copy handed in to your ITs at the final lecture. The first thing to do, of course, is watch the film you have chosen from among the choices given. If you have already seen it, it is highly recommended that you watch it again.

CONTENT

In the reflective portion, ask yourself: What did I observe in this film and what possible meanings could these observations have? The key task here is to gather as many observations as possible from different points of view. The main skill to work on is perspective taking, or what some people call “re-framing.” Look at the narrative events and describe them from different perspectives. For example, how did certain characters view the situation and what did it mean to them? What would a neutral (“objective”) observer have seen and heard? What perspective did you have – in other words, how did it affect you? Reflect on these observations to discover the personal meaning that the material had for you. Write this.

In the second, conceptual portion, use at least two concepts or theories from the course material to look beneath the surface at why the main characters behaved the way they did. Provide the source for each reference to theory in an appropriate format and use quality external sources to enhance your analysis. In reviewing theoretical material, first, briefly define the concept or theory as you would for someone who was not familiar with it. Next, apply the concept thoroughly to your observations of the film. The tie-in should include the specific details of how the theory relates to and provides insight into the experiences of the main characters in the film. Does the example support or refute the theory? IMPORTANT: Avoid merely providing a “book report” of what you have observed in your film – you must discuss how you see concepts and theories relating to key examples, events, or characters. In other words, you must reframe the plot/action/behaviour of individuals in the context of the course material.

EVALUATION

Papers will be marked on the following criteria:

1. Attention to purpose of the assignment (5pts). This means addressing the purpose, aims and themes of the assignment comprehensively, with enthusiasm and imagination.
2. Clarity of expression (10pts). This includes flow and integration of material, overall organization of ideas, grammar.
3. Reflectiveness (15pts). This means how deeply you observe and analyze the work that you choose, and how well you identify multiple perspectives as they relate to the theory. You are confident in reflecting on material; expression of insight and multiple perspectives shows your ability to explain effects of events on individuals. You use specific examples to support your analysis.
4. For each of the two theories you choose, you will be evaluated on:
   1. Your knowledge of the theory (30pts). You demonstrate a sophisticated grasp of theory and innovativeness in the selection and handling of theory.
   2. Your analysis (30pts). You must analyze people and situations through application of theory, resulting in a compelling integration of theory & plot; your use of both of these elements in framing analysis must be persuasive, showing a high-level understanding.

                                                           SAMPLE SOLUTION

The movie has several major characters around whom the storyline revolves. They include Christian Wolf, Ray King, Lamar, Dana Cummings and Marybeth Medina. The audience can draw several perspectives in the movie revolving around some of these characters.

Christian Wolf

Christian Wolf is the star character of the movie. According to the story, he runs a small accounting firm called ZZZ Accounting that reports tax returns of US$75,000 only. The name is unattractive and it could explain why the owner filed a small amount in tax. The common perspective for a casual observer would therefore be of a struggling firm with no secrets.

According to Ray King, the Treasury director of financial crimes, Christian Wolf is a criminal who launders money for serious crime offenders such as terrorists and gamblers. He has background information on Wolf and sets out to confirm his suspicion that he is a slippery accountant who manages the books of the world’s most dangerous criminals. The discovery that Wolf is the accountant for the three businesses adjacent to ZZZ Accounting’s physical location strengthens King’s misgivings about the real operations of Wolf. He wonders why the accountant has survived for so long despite working with the most dangerous clients. His opinion of Wolf is that of a dangerous man with killer instincts to survive with such creepy customers.

The CEO of Living Robotics, Lamar, hires Wolf to uncover the financial discrepancy at the firm. He reports that a parent to his potential client recommended Wolf for his expertise. As it later turns out, Lamar hired Wolf as a publicity stunt but did not expect him to discover the truth about the discrepancy, and at such speed. He obviously underestimated the quiet man’s abilities.