SPST 270 – Final Movie Review

The final assignment in this class is a departure from the bi-weekly reflections and triple journal entries. The purpose of this assignment is to present your analysis of cultural themes seen in the final movie of the semester – “Branded”. Your analysis will be presented through the non-traditional format of a video presentation, as opposed to a formal written paper or oral presentation in front of the class. The most important thing to remember in completing this assignment is that the focus of your video presentation is your analysis, NOT the production of your video. Professionalism, preparation, and delivery matter in that they aid the presentation of your thoughts and ideas. However, this is NOT a video production class and you are not expected to engage in the creation of an advanced video.

Directions: After watching “Branded” during our final class period, prepare your own reflection video in which you answer the following questions and provide evidence (support) for each answer:

1. What is/are the main message/s of the film “Branded” as it relates to your knowledge of culture? (Hint: What did the producers want you to know or feel about culture after you finished watching?)

2. How do you personally react to this/these message/s? (Hint: How does this message make you feel?)

3. What do you know about American culture that contributed to you reacting this way? (Hint: How did being raised in America lead you to believe or value certain things?)

4. What important contributors to the film’s discussion are missing? (Hint: Who is not represented in the film?)

5. What does that say about American culture? (Hint: Think about how that could indicate what society values, believes, develops understood meanings for, etc.)

6. How do you relate to the claims that are being made in the film? (Hint: Do you contribute to a problem? Do you feel like a victim? Are you a bystander? Do you feel like you rise above the issues?)

7. Looking at your answers to questions 5 & 6, how do you believe this will inform who you are and what you do as you prepare to continue your life in the United States after college? (Hint: What is the take-away for you? How do you anticipate your actions/inaction changing/staying the same??)

You will be graded on your ability to answer these questions while weaving them together in an effective and professional oral presentation. Reading your answers off a piece of paper one by one is NOT an effective and professional oral presentation. Any assignment that is completed by reading off a script of using a prewritten paper will receive an automatic zero. Note cards and an outline are acceptable. This video is not about “right” versus “wrong” answers. It is about using the skills you’ve developed throughout to semester to analyzing sport film and support your conclusions with evidence.

Expectations:- Professional dress- Professional communication- Reflection and preparation- You may exercise creativity and really make this a reflection of you, but movie effects/ additional resources should not sacrifice the message- You will work alone and refrain from consulting with classmates. Discussing your video with classmates or working together will be considered cheating.- The assignment will be turned in via Blackboard only. There is a link in the “assignments” section where you can upload your video.- Any late work will be graded per the late grading structure in the syllabus.

Technology:- There are no time requirements or limits to your video. However, your video file cannot be bigger than 2 GB.- Acceptable file formats: avi, m4v, mov, mp4, mpeg, mpg, QT, wmv, flv, mp3, aac, f4v - Desktop or Laptop Computer – Most computers come with built-in recording software and many include cameras built-in to the monitor. You may also use an external web cam if necessary. (Fisher computer labs: Pioch 117, basement of Kearney, possibly the Mac lab in Basil)

o PC/Windows – Windows Movie Makero MAC - iMovie

* Smartphones – Most new smartphones (iPhones, Androids, etc.) have built-in recording capabilities.* Tablets – iPad (version 2 or 3) or other tablets with cameras also have built-in recording capabilities.* Hand-held or Pocket video cameras – many brands on the market that record in high quality video.IMPORTANT: If recording with an iOS device (iPhone or iPad) only record in horizontal view. Do not hold the device vertically to do the recording. It will cause an error when trying to upload the video.Note: For mobile devices, you will either need to be able to email the video clip to yourself (if 10 MB or less) or connect your device to your computer through a USB connection.

Advice: - Record a test video before you record your actual assignment.- Check audio levels and make sure you speak loudly.- Sometimes the mobile device microphones only pick up audio in close proximity to the device.- Check lighting of the video. You don’t want to record a whole portion and realize it is too darkto see what is in the video.- You may need to ask a friend to help you record the video.- PREVIEW THE VIDEO BEFORE YOU TURN IT IN.