Assignment Instructions
Background: Film consultants advise filmmakers on how to correct historical inaccuracies in their scripts, props, and settings. In this assignment, you are tasked with identifying archaeological inaccuracies in a popular film chosen from the list below. Pretend to be a film consultant hired by the film industry to help transform a previously released fictional movie on an archaeological topic into a more accurate, yet still exciting adventure film. For the assignment you will select and view a film about archaeology, identify potential inaccuracies surrounding the portrayal of archaeological concepts in the film, and report to producers your ideas for improving its scientific accuracy while maintaining its adventurous spirit.
Instructions:
(1) Read these instructions to the end. Then return to step 2 to get started.
(2) Select a film from the following list and locate it on a media outlet such as Netflix,
Hulu, AmazonPrime, YouTube, etc. where you can view it in its entirety. Film List:
10,000 B.C. (2008)
AVP: Aliens vs. Predator (2004)
As Above, So Below (2014)
Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959 or 2008 version) Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003)
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) Legend of the Bog (2009) Prometheus (2012)
Stargate (1994)
Stonehenge Apocalypse (2010) Timeline (2003)
The Mummy (1932) The Mummy (1999)
The Mummy Returns (2001)
The Ruins (2008)
*If you would like to watch a different movie, please contact your TA or instructor for approval.
(3) Download the assignment sheet. (instructions continue next page)
Part I: Watch and Analyze the Film
Instructions: Select a film from the list provided in the assignment instructions. Then, as you watch the film, answer the following questions.
(1) Below provide detailed information about the film you selected. Include the film name, year released, and film company (e.g., MGM, Disney, etc.).
(2) As you watch the film, describe three instances in which an archaeological site, archaeological artifact, archaeological field or laboratory technique, or ancient culture or cultural tradition of the past is portrayed. Try to focus in particular on any topics mentioned in the course materials. (15 points)
a. Portrayal of Archaeology #1: Describe one example of a portrayal of archaeology in the film. For full credit, please write 2-3 complete sentences.
b. Portrayal of Archaeology #2: Describe a second example of a portrayal of archaeology in the film. For full credit, please write 2-3 complete sentences.
c. Portrayal of Archaeology #3: Describe a third example of a portrayal of archaeology in the film. For full credit, please write 2-3 complete sentences.
(3) Using the course materials and what you've learned so far about scientific archaeological inquiry versus pseudoarchaeological claims and myths, evaluate the scientific accuracy of each of the three examples you described above. (15 points) Note: Please note the location of your information sources with a citation. For example, if you use information from page 62 of the textbook, at the end of your sentence cite the source (Feder 2014:62). You do not need to include a bibliography for materials provided in the course.
a. Evaluation of Portrayal #1: Evaluate the scientific accuracy of your first example from above. For full credit, please write 2-3 complete sentences.
b. Evaluation of Portrayal #2: Evaluate the scientific accuracy of your second example from above. For full credit, please write 2-3 complete sentences.
c. Evaluation of Portrayal #3: Evaluate the scientific accuracy of your third example from above . For full credit, please write 2-3 complete sentences.
(4) Next, consider and describe how any scientific inaccuracies from your above examples may potentially mislead, confuse, or cause harm to public audiences. For full credit, please write 3-4 complete sentences.
(5) Now, reflect on the role that archaeology plays in the overall plot of the film. How does archaeology contribute to the main story the filmmakers are telling? Is archaeology key to the story or does it play only a peripheral role? For full credit, please write 3-4 complete sentences.
(6) Use your creativity to brainstorm ways to improve this film. Think of two examples of real archaeological techniques or evidence discussed in this course that could be incorporated into the plot of the film and still maintain its sense of adventure, excitement, or mystery to captivate audiences.
a. Example 1: Describe one way an actual archaeological method or piece of scientific archaeological evidence or information could be incorporated into the film. For full credit, please write 2-3 complete sentences.
b. Example 2: Describe a second way an actual archaeological method or piece of scientific archaeological evidence or information could be incorporated into the film. For full credit, please write 2-3 complete sentences.
Part II: Summary Report: Your Recommendation
Instructions: Write a summary report (approximately 2 paragraphs) below that includes your final recommendation to the filmmakers about how to improve potential inaccuracies in the portrayal of archaeological concepts in the film. Remember that the filmmakers are interested in improving scientific accuracy while still maintaining the film's original, adventurous spirit. Use the specific examples from your assessment above and what you've learned in the course modules about the differences between archaeology and pseudoarchaeology to address the following:
1) First, summarize the overall role of archaeology in the storyline of the film. Use your examples of specific instances of portrayals of archaeology to illustrate this role.
2) Next, briefly describe to the filmmakers your understanding of how the scientific method is used in archaeology.
3) Then, respectfully explain the results of your analysis of the scientific accuracy of the portrayals of archaeology in the film to the filmmakers. Use your specific examples above (and any others you noticed) as a way to illustrate.
4) Present the filmmakers with your ideas from above for incorporating actual archaeological methods or evidence into the film to improve its scientific accuracy. Be sure to note how in doing so, they will still be able to maintain the film's a sense of adventure, excitement, and/or mystery to captivate audiences.
5) Finally, conclude your report by explaining how you expect the film's audience will benefit from your suggested improvements.
Your assignment does not need to include a bibliography. The only sources you should need (apart from the film you are analyzing above) are found within the course modules and can be cited using in-text citations in the (Author, pub year) format: (Feder, 2014).
(4) Watch the film, completing Part I of the assignment worksheet as you watch. (2-3 hours depending on the length of the movie)