Assignment: Documentary Film Review
Directions
You will write a critical review of one of the threedocumentary films:
The Gilded Age(PBS)
Influenza 1918 (PBS)
Into the Amazon (PBS)
You will write a 700-word review that incorporates scenes from the documentary film and relevant historical content about the period discussed in the documentary. Your review should expose the reader to important issues raised in the film. If you fail to adhere to the guidelines, you will receive a zero on your review. The review is worth twenty-five points and 10 percent of your final grade.
Questions for the Review
The following questions have been included to guide your writing. They should not appear in the text of the review i.e. do not type them into the body of the review. And you cannot merely answer the questions in chronological order. You should write at least five paragraphs, including an introduction, body, and conclusion.
• What content does the documentary portray?
• What is the context of the issue presented in the film? What history must the viewer know so that they can better understand the context? Provide specific details.
• What specific theme in the film do you wish to analyze in detail?
• Is the viewer's worldview challenged and /or expanded by the film? Explain.
• What scenes are particularly noteworthy? What scenes do you think did not add to the overall quality of the film?
• Does the film expose the viewer to issues, social, political and/or moral that you think are important?
Structure of the Review
Introduction
Tell the reader what you will tell them. Begin with the basics: what is the title of the film, who made the film, the culture presented in the film and short synopsis of the film. The reader must know exactly what they are reading about. Two or three sentences that inform the reader what position you are taking in regards to the films.
Body
Tell the reader. Here you address the questions that must be answered and select one or two other questions. Be sure you inform the reader which aspect of the films you wish to analyze and then give your analysis. Spend some time working out a logical order of the questions you will address in your review.
Conclusion
Tell the reader what you told them. Summarize your position and demonstrate how your analysis and responses to the questions supports your position. Make concluding remarks and include any after thoughts.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.