Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Gender representations in The Big Bang Theory Essay
Gender representations in The Big Bang Theory - Essay Example This study aims at giving insight on how the use of gender representation is utilized in The Big Bang Theory to attract a large audience. As indicated by the title, this project explores the gender representations in The Big Bang Theory. There have been other studies about this subject too. However, what makes The Big Bang Theory a classical study is the controversial sexist position it adapts. This is the reason why this research aims at conducting a scientific inquiry on the unbalanced gender portrayal. One of the sets of questions that urgently require addressing is the relationship of discourses of gender in the media. For instance, what contributes to the popularity of The Big Bang Theory show notwithstanding the unsurpassed gender misrepresentation overriding in the show? This study will compare, contrast, investigate, examine, develop, and evaluate the subject matter. An proper indulgent of the facts contributing to the popularity of the show is quite significant as it would i ndicate the exact reasons as to why the various attempts to fight for egalitarianism have never been prolific. . It is beneficial to gain an appreciation regarding gender representations, the values and ideologies presented in The Big Bang Theory as this might aid in formulation and implementation of effective policies to circumvent the menace, change peopleââ¬â¢s psychological perspectives on gender and improve societal welfare and amalgamation.
Monday, October 28, 2019
Active and Passive - Devices Essay Example for Free
Active and Passive Devices Essay Electronic components are classed into either being Passive devices or Active devices. Active devices are different from passive devices. These devices are capable of changing their operational performance, may deliver power to the circuit, and can perform interesting mathematical functions. While a device that does not require a source of energy for its operation. Active Devices An active device is any type of circuit component with the ability to electrically control electron flow (electricity controlling electricity). In order for a circuit to be properly called electronic, it must contain at least one active device. Active devices include, but are not limited to, vacuum tubes, transistors, silicon-controlled rectifiers (SCRs), and TRIACs. All active devices control the flow of electrons through them. Some active devices allow a voltage to control this current while other active devices allow another current to do the job. Devices utilizing a static voltage as the controlling signal are, not surprisingly, called voltage-controlled devices. Devices working on the principle of one current controlling another current are known as current-controlled devices. For the record, vacuum tubes are voltage-controlled devices while transistors are made as either voltage-controlled or current controlled types. The first type of transistor successfully demonstrated was a current-controlled device. What are Passive Devices? Components incapable of controlling current by means of another electrical signal are called passive devices. Resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers, and even diodes are all considered passive devices. Passive devices are the resistors, capacitors, and inductors required to build electronic hardware. They always have a gain less than one, thus they can not oscillate or amplify a signal. A combination of passive components can multiply a signal by values less than one, they can shift the phase of a signal, they can reject a signal because it is not made up of the correct frequencies, they can control complex circuits, but they can not multiply by more than one because they lack gain. INTEDGRATED CIRCUITS Analog circuits Most analog electronic appliances, such as radio receivers, are constructed from combinations of a few types of basic circuits. Analog circuits use a continuous range of voltage as opposed to discrete levels as in digital circuits. The number of different analog circuits so far devised is huge, especially because a circuit can be defined as anything from a single component, to systems containing thousands of components. Analog circuits are sometimes called linear circuits although many non-linear effects are used in analog circuits such as mixers, modulators, etc. Good examples of analog circuits include vacuum tube and transistor amplifiers, operational amplifiers and oscillators. One rarely finds modern circuits that are entirely analog. These days analog circuitry may use digital or even microprocessor techniques to improve performance. This type of circuit is usually called mixed signal rather than analog or digital. Sometimes it may be difficult to differentiate between analog and digital circuits as they have elements of both linear and non-linear operation. An example is the comparator which takes in a continuous range of voltage but only outputs one of two levels as in a digital circuit. Similarly, an overdriven transistor amplifier can take on the characteristics of a controlled switch having essentially two levels of output. * A Hall effect sensor is a transducer that varies its output voltage in response to a magnetic field. Hall effect sensors are used for proximity switching, positioning, speed detection, and current sensing applications. * A current sensor is a device that detects electrical current (AC or DC) in a wire, and generates a signal proportional to it.The generated signal could be analog voltage or current or even digital output.It can be then utilized to display the measured current in an ammeter or can be stored for further analysis in a data acquisition system or can be utilized for control purpose. Digital circuits Digital circuits are electric circuits based on a number of discrete voltage levels. Digital circuits are the most common physical representation of Boolean algebra, and are the basis of all digital computers. To most engineers, the terms digital circuit, digital system and logic are interchangeable in the context of digital circuits. Most digital circuitsà use a binary system with two voltage levels labeled 0 and 1. Often logic 0 will be a lower voltage and referred to as Low while logic 1 is referred to as High. However, some systems use the reverse definition (0 is High) or are current based. Ternary (with three states) logic has been studied, and some prototype computers made. Computers, electronic clocks, and programmable logic controllers (used to control industrial processes) are constructed of digital circuits. Digital signal processors are another example. http://aanaedwards.hubpages.com/hub/Active-Passive-Devices 2011 | Aana Edwards | Silicon City, CA http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronics
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Abortion from an Ethical Point of View Essay -- Papers Birth Pregnancy
Abortion from an Ethical Point of View It is widely accepted that the fact of abortion has been a subject of conversation and controversy for many decades. Since the proportion of people who accept abortion as a ?normal? procedure is equal to the proportion of those who think of abortion as a ?crime?, through time a lot of measurements have been taken against abortion but concerning it?s defense as well. Although the fact of abortion has been examined through it?s scientific and religious side, in this assignment we will try and examine abortion from an ethical point of view. The best way for someone to refer to abortion on an ethical basis would probably be through the description and evaluation of the subject based on two of the most known theoretical approaches: those of Kant?s and of Utilitarianism (Act and Rule). Beginning with the approach of Utilitarianism, we must say that Utilitarianism, is concerned basically with pleasure and with pain. Therefore someone should be concerned with the amounts of pleasure and pain in situations where abortion is permitted as contrasted with the amounts of pleasure and pain where abortion is forbidden. It might be suggested that the main consideration would be the interests of the fetus: not only can its future life be expectedly happy (or at least having a balance of happiness over suffering) it might also be the case that the abortion itself is painful, particularly if it occurs later in the pregnancy. However this focus on the fetus is unwarranted since any suffering involved in the abortion itself can be avoided by simply aborting the pregnancy sooner (before the fetus has even developed the capability of suffering), or with painless techniques. The direct suffering of the fetus c... ...e next nine months and beyond. These factors carry at least some weight. Other potentially overriding factors complicate the rights of the fetus, such as whether the pregnancy resulted from rape, or contraception failure. Whatever the decision of a woman will be, it is a fact that she should be aware of all the elements mentioned above. I personally believe what John Locke implies in his Essay Concerning Human Understanding (1690) that ?it is part of the worship of God, not to kill another man, not to procure abortion, not to expose their children, not" Bibliography BIBLIOGRAPHY: 1. Sterba, J.P.(ed) (1998) ? Ethics: The Big Questions Blackwell 2. Singer P. (ed) (1991) ? Ethics Blackwell REFERENCES: 1. Almond P. (ed) (1995) ? Introducing Applied Ethics Blackwell 2. Smart J.J.C & Williams B. (1973) ? Utilitarianism: For and Against Cambridge
Thursday, October 24, 2019
The Black Madonna
The Black Madonna The Black Madonna by Muriel spark is a short story about Racism and religion. It aims to explore the real meanings behind what people say and the actions they do. It deals with happenings that closely reveal peopleââ¬â¢s reactions to it. Muriel Spark does this through subtle humor by the ironic happenings that take place during the short story. The characters in the short story play a huge role in adding to the dramatic storyline. At first impression the married couple Lou and Raymond seems normal to an extent but under scrutinization the coupleââ¬â¢s lifestyle seems forced and exaggerated. This could add to the fact that they are not comfortable with who they really are individually and as a couple. Because of the constant stress which they endure of not being able to produce a child (Spark 38) mainly because they are Roman Catholics. Apparently, in the short story Roman Catholics are usually expected to have large families. One could say that this notion can support stress in their chosen religion and in their relationship. Although they are content with luxuries they haveacquired due to the absence of them having children. The couple takes their religion quite seriously and feels displaced if someone strays away and defies the religion. They have expectations that the person would find their way back to the religion. This can be seen with Henry. Who defied the Roman Catholic Church and who is expected by Lou to return back at some point (Spark 40-41). Lou and Raymond strive on inviting guests to their home. These guests are either Roman Catholics or somehow have been connected to the religion. In the text it is not difficult to notice that Lou and Raymond pride themselves on being non- judgmental. But yet they only invite Roman Catholics not caring of their class, may it be high or low class (Spark 39). In the short story Raymond invites two Jamaicans from his work( Spark 39). Why this should be seen as some kind of event if Lou and Raymond are really non-judgmental. This leads one to think that the couple is hypocrites. The couple covers up themselves under a facade that people of different skin color are equal. As well as deserving of every pleasure that life has to bring. We can see this facade clearly in Lou. She leads herself as well as her husband to believe that she is not a snob (Spark 39 and 45). While in actual fact she is the most prominent in her facade. This can be substantiated through when she has an encounter with Tina Farrell; a sorter that the derogatory term ââ¬Å"darkiesâ⬠should not be used to refer to black people( Spark 40). Well in the right as that is derogatory and degrading. But later in the short story Lou contradicts herself . Lou losing almost her temper with Henry about his opinion about the mentality of Louââ¬â¢s sister, Elizabeth. Lou in her mind questions the authority of Henry being able to voice his opinion. She furthers her soliloquy in her mind and reveals that because Elizabeth is white she can live any lifestyle that suits her but who might Henry be to comment on that lifestyle if he is black ( Spark 44). One is then able at first to think Lou is a ââ¬Å"sensibleâ⬠woman. She loves making all people feel welcome and she mixes with all classes of all people. But their color counts when they have their own opinions or when people are not anyhow connected to their religion. Sensibility implies reasoning and in being in control. One finds that it may be a struggle to apply these terms to Lou. When Henry is in the process of making his statement about the mentality of certain types of people, one can see Louââ¬â¢s impatience and complete disregard for what he has to say. This can be substantiated through Lou not giving Henry a chance to have his view raised in completion (Spark 44). As well in the short story a point is reached where Lou is hysterical and close to portraying a lady on the brink of insanity. Raymond, a hypocrite like his wife seems more disgusted in the way people live than in being a concealed racist. However, Raymond feels just as intensely about religion as his wife does and is compelled to defend his religion. The climax in the short story ultimately reveals the peak of revealing the coupleââ¬â¢s actual views on race. When Lou becomes pregnant with what is to be a little black girl, her disgust in herself and in her child is obvious. One could say that the idea if being associated with black people is intriguing to the couple but as being part of their family is not a something which they were going to allow. Her encounter with Tina, the sorter now holds no value. Lou and Raymond is therefore exactly like Tina. Which is a racist but they do not mind being associated or in the company of black people. References Spark, Muriel. ââ¬Å"The black Madonnaâ⬠Publisher, University of Cape Town pressâ⬠Publication year: 2010 Page number: 36-51 www. diesterweg. de/lektueren/she_many_voices_of_english/978-3-425-09031-3-Probekapitel,pdf www. enotes. com/blackmadonna. jalen/black www. newsstatesmen. com/200012250052 www. weberburg. de/skool/schwerpunktthema-abitur-one-language-many-voices. html
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Weaving Architecture & Nature
Landscape from its beginnings has a man-made connotation with associated cultural process values. The idea of having a landscape does not suggest anything natural at all. Yet there are instances of projects where the landscape itself suggests natural connotations as though there is no interface between nature (site) and culture (architecture).In Chichi Art Museum, Today And made a radical decision to create an underground space to create minimal changes to the current natural environment, exposing only very basic geometries as the openings for the underground gallery. He transformed the site into a natural work of art, interfacing with the internal works of art. On the other hand, Frank Lloyd Wright's Billingsgate transforms the original site into a beautiful monumental landscape and brings nature into the house by using materials found on site, creating natural experiences through his architecture.Yet the ideas of the interface between Nature and architecture are translated very di fferently for the 2 projects. Nod's idea of the interface was a stark exposed one while Wright's was more clear and rational. This paper seeks to find out whether one of their interpretations questionable, or it is Just harder to comprehend one than the other. Keywords: Nature; Integration; Art; Landscape; Culture 1. INTRODUCTION Figure 1 . Illustration of the Phases of Museum Development The concept of museums since the late 18th century evolved through 3 different phases (Figure 1).The first generation are mostly built by royalties as part of their collections, the second generation museums are more particular in presenting artworks and collections in their raw form, where exhibition spaces are designed to segregate the works from any context using spaces that is ere and abstract. As art works progressed further, artists evolved to creating works that are more specific, works that interact with surroundings and also visitors.This concept itself brings out the definition of cultura l landscape by Saucer (Saucer 1925, 46), where the art works themselves represents the cultural interference to the surrounding natural landscape. Here, the architect undertakes a special role as the direct influencer to the landscape. The Chichi Art Museum by Today And is one of the first of the 3rd development of museums, specially designed to house the works f Claude Monet, Walter De Maria and James Turrets, or on a higher level, to integrate their works with the natural environment.The way Today And created his cultural landscape, interfacing with nature with his strong use of man made materials concrete and glass, gives us a new perspective on how one interfaces with their surroundings. 2 THE ORIGIN The concept emerged due to a similarity between the artists in the history of art ââ¬â they question modern art and architecture and the ââ¬Å"quality of aesthetic experienceâ⬠in a three-dimensional space. By congregating them into one space could form ââ¬Å"a lace for a esthetic experienceâ⬠(Watchmaker and Mammoth 2005, 83). Figure 2.Mashing, Japan (Source: http://architects. Files. Wordless. Com/2011 /06/chichi_panorama Jpg) The chosen site (Figure 2) was based on the likes of the initial client, Choirs Effectuate whom had a special liking towards the views of Sets Inland Sea and other islands from a place in Mashing (Watchmaker and Mammoth 2005, 83). The site was a good match with a three dimensional space envisioned by Monet ââ¬â a space that by itself is a piece of art giving birth to the idea of a space that blends art and architecture together seamlessly.Hence instead of a monumental building sitting on the site, the building took the form of 2 an underground building with no apparent form. The visitor world experience each artist's space, one by one independently, and was prevented from looking at the building as a whole. Upon gathering all the experiences, they would then discover the structure in its entirety, and the relationshi ps and arrangements between spaces (Figure 3). Figure 3. Illustration of Separate volumes coming together in the site (Source: Today And at Mashing: art, architecture, nature. )The final museum itself, shown in Figure 3 embodies a mastery of light and materials that seek to reconnect with the elements of ââ¬Å"art and natureâ⬠. To maintain the existing environment and aesthetics of the site, And chose to ââ¬Ëbury' the museum underground. Only a series of concrete openings and geometrical skylights float among the greenery shown in Figure 4. He dedicated a separate space for each of the artists' gallery, bounding them together with a triangular courtyard that connects all the exhibition spaces via a mixed sequence of spaces ââ¬â light and dark, open and closed. Figure 4.Concrete opening and Skylight 3 THE INTERFACE . 1 Today Nod's Chichi Art Museum Mashing 3 From Section 2, we understood that And made the decision to integrate art and nature as one by placing the buildin g underground thus giving Chichi its name. Yet in his design, we see stark signs of man ââ¬â made influences to the site, the most obvious being the introduction of concrete volumes that encompasses the entire site. As visitors enters the 27,700 square foot reinforced-concrete Chichi Museum, they will discover the diminishing sunlight taken over by the disorientating semidarkness.The tunnel-like passageway provides a full separation from the external environment ND leads them into a square-sis forecourt carpeted with green stalks of bamboo-like grass (Pollock 2005, 116). This initial experience that And created as his entrance sounds rather intimidating. The uniqueness and unfamiliarity created a rather daunting feeling, and nature is nowhere mentioned or considered when one enters the space. Is the integration with nature only a surface treatment to the architecture by infusing the building underground?Perhaps And was looking more into interfacing art and architecture together rather than interfacing the culture with nature. For our interpretation of a seamless interface with nature seem to be different from Nod's radical representation of nature in his work. Yet where did our interpretation come from? 3. 2 Frank Lloyd Wright's Billingsgate Figure 5. Billingsgate and the terraces (Source: HTTPS://blobs. Alt. VT. Dude/Kristin/files/2012/12/few Jpg) One of the historical buildings that perfectly epitomize the concept of one with nature is Frank Lloyd Wright's 4 Billingsgate.Wild animals live near it; Trees surround it; Water swirls underneath; huge beclouded rest at its feet; the house's terraces echo the pattern of the rock ledges below (Figure 5). Billingsgate seeks to find harmony with nature. Instead of scoping a natural landscape for its inhabitants, the Kauffmann, Frank integrated the waterfalls with the architecture and hence integrated the falls into their lives. Figure 6. Elevation and Section of Billingsgate with materials (Source: Billingsgate: F rank Lloyd Wright's romance with nature. ) Wright furthered the integration with nature via his selection of materials.He kept his selection to merely 4 materials ââ¬â sandstone, reinforced concrete, steel and glass and integrated them as part of the natural environment (Figure 6). All the stone at Billingsgate was quarried from the bottom of the waterfalls. Beams are designed in an arc shaped Just so to allow tree to grow through the trellis. The chosen concrete was of a pale ochre color to match the back of a fallen rhododendron leaf (Hangman 2011, 40). Exposed steel was painted red to give a raw feeling; reminding people of the red color of iron ore and also of the fiery method used to create steel.Clear glass was used to extend the nature into the interior of the house, sometimes becoming reflective like mirror-like surfaces of a calm pool, and at night, disappears to eliminate any distinction between the interior and exterior. Understanding Wright's design and linking it to integration with nature seemed almost redundant as the building encapsulates the whole concept. It is simple to relate the architecture as part of the landscape, and the concept of integration was strongly showed in every angle, which was not seen for the case of Chichi Art 5 Museum. 3. New Interpretation As a 3rd generation museum, perhaps we should not Judge the interface at its mere surface. Was there more to its looks for the Chichi art museum? From the Periphery of Architecture, And wrote ââ¬Å"Nature in the form of water, light ND sky restores architecture from a metaphysical to an earthly plane and gives life to architecture. A concern for the relationship between architecture and nature inevitably leads to a concern for the temporal context of architecture. I want to emphasize the sense of time and to create compositions in which a feeling of transience or the passing of time is a part of the spatial experience. (And 2005, 465) Nod's interpretation of the interface between architecture and nature showed that it should not be merely a visual effect, but a more in-depth understanding and experience towards nature. It is thus reasonable to feel that what And is doing with his architecture was in particular, to isolate natural elements in blending them with the architecture. Yes one would not feel the natural environment, for we have never experienced nature in its rawness. Our idea of sunlight goes together with landscape, with clouds, with mountains and seas.We do not see light as a unit on its own. Figure 7. A Collage of the Monet Gallery at Chichi Art Museum This ideology was translated rather well in the Chichi Art Museum project. For Motet's Gallery where the 6 tater lilies situate, the experience starts with changing your shoes to soft indoor slippers at the shoebox followed by a vacant room before the exhibition gallery. The dim experience diminishes through the rectangular open entrance, where silky light trickles in. Once we enter the Motet's r oom, the transparent veil of light surrounds us.The completely white atmosphere, the white frames, white walls, white ceiling, and white floors seem to be representative of the raw sunlight, as it fills the environment. This enabled the paintings to have an illusion that it is relieved of its endings to the frame and Joins the space as floating scenery (Figure 7). The gentle ramp that circulates around the central triangular courtyard features a slit in the walls, exposing elements of light into the dim passageway creates a transition of space yet connecting the spatial qualities of the Monet gallery to the other galleries (Figure 8).This triangular courtyard exposes only rough stones at its surface, propelling vision from the visitors towards the sky (Figure 8). In James Turret's Installation of the Open Sky, visitors are given the opportunity to enjoy the natural sky IA a framed skylight and observe the changes where visitors may see sunlight shining through the window, clouds dri fting by or a lingering evening glow. Figure 8. The triangular courtyard (Source: Chichi Art Museum: Today And builds for Walter De Maria, James Turrets, and Claude Monet. The entire approach of Chichi Art Museum in integrating with nature forms a critical questioning of the natural environment. It forcefully brings out nature via the use of concrete envelope. The physical interface here is the concrete building, although man-made, it seems to be the perfect medium to bring the isolated 7 tater into the art and architecture. The Chichi Museum is thus a successful effort between the architect and the artists, people and nature, acting as a specific artwork in itself. Even the form as seen from the exterior, is like an art piece, infused within the mountains (Figure 9). This made the argument in 3. Invalid as the approach took by And in creating a dramatic entrance was Justifiable if his intention of integrating with nature is as discussed. Figure 8. Series of mediums illustrating the building infused into the site. (Source: Chichi Art Museum: Today And builds for Walter De Maria, James Turrets, and Claude Monet. ) The isolation of nature to provide the integrated experience is not a new concept. Even in Wright's Billingsgate, we can see hints of this method used. In integrating the waterfall into the architecture, instead of scoping a view, Wright chose to situate the house right on top of it.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Free Essays on Shakespeare Tragedies
SHAKESPEARE TRAGEDIES William Shakespeare is one of the greatest writers of all time. His plays have been told and taught for centuries and teach moral lessons through its misfortunes. Shakespeareââ¬â¢s Romeo and Juliet, Othello, and Macbeth are all tragedies of either love or loss and demonstrate the imperfection of human desires. One of William Shakespeareââ¬â¢s most popular works is Romeo and Juliet. This play tells a story of two young, star-crossed lovers, whose love was destined for destruction. Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet are complete strangers until they meet each other at a costume party. As soon as they see each other they instantly fall in love. That night they encounter a rendezvous and confess their love for one another along with their true identities. When Juliet finds out that Romeo is a Montague she realizes that her love for him is forbidden because of the Montague/Capulet rivalry. Though they both know it is a sin to be together in their familiesââ¬â¢ eyes, they decide to keep their love a secret. Romeo takes the first steps to being untied by asking Juliet to marry him. She quickly accepts and arrangements are made for their matrimony. After Romeo and Juliet are wedded, Romeo is charged with the murder of Julietââ¬â¢s cousin and is announced to be banished from Verona. Romeo m ust flee to Mantua leaving his new love behind. The next day Juliet discovers that her father has arranged for her to marry someone else. Pain-struck and heartbroken Juliet doesnââ¬â¢t know what to do. She canââ¬â¢t bear to marry someone she doesnââ¬â¢t love, let alone marry someone at all since she is already a wife to Romeo. And with Romeo being in Mantua she feels more alone then ever. Distressed at the prospect of a false marriage and going mad she turns to Friar Laurence for advice. He offers her a sleeping potion to make her appear dead for 42 hours. During this time, the Friar would send a letter to Romeo to return to Verona in time for Jul... Free Essays on Shakespeare Tragedies Free Essays on Shakespeare Tragedies SHAKESPEARE TRAGEDIES William Shakespeare is one of the greatest writers of all time. His plays have been told and taught for centuries and teach moral lessons through its misfortunes. Shakespeareââ¬â¢s Romeo and Juliet, Othello, and Macbeth are all tragedies of either love or loss and demonstrate the imperfection of human desires. One of William Shakespeareââ¬â¢s most popular works is Romeo and Juliet. This play tells a story of two young, star-crossed lovers, whose love was destined for destruction. Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet are complete strangers until they meet each other at a costume party. As soon as they see each other they instantly fall in love. That night they encounter a rendezvous and confess their love for one another along with their true identities. When Juliet finds out that Romeo is a Montague she realizes that her love for him is forbidden because of the Montague/Capulet rivalry. Though they both know it is a sin to be together in their familiesââ¬â¢ eyes, they decide to keep their love a secret. Romeo takes the first steps to being untied by asking Juliet to marry him. She quickly accepts and arrangements are made for their matrimony. After Romeo and Juliet are wedded, Romeo is charged with the murder of Julietââ¬â¢s cousin and is announced to be banished from Verona. Romeo m ust flee to Mantua leaving his new love behind. The next day Juliet discovers that her father has arranged for her to marry someone else. Pain-struck and heartbroken Juliet doesnââ¬â¢t know what to do. She canââ¬â¢t bear to marry someone she doesnââ¬â¢t love, let alone marry someone at all since she is already a wife to Romeo. And with Romeo being in Mantua she feels more alone then ever. Distressed at the prospect of a false marriage and going mad she turns to Friar Laurence for advice. He offers her a sleeping potion to make her appear dead for 42 hours. During this time, the Friar would send a letter to Romeo to return to Verona in time for Jul...
Monday, October 21, 2019
How to Write a Solid Film Review
How to Write a Solid Film Review Feature films and documentariesà are sometimes used as research sources. They are also used quite frequently as supplemental learning tools in the classroom. A common writing assignment is a critical review or analysis of films. Your instructor will choose a specific film or documentary for a reason because it relates to the material at hand in some way. A good review will explain how the film has enhanced the learning experience, but it should also provide an account of your personal response. The components and format of your film analysis will depend on the course and your instructorââ¬â¢s preferences, but there are several standard components of a review. Components to Include in Your Review The elements listed here do not appear in any specific order. The placement of these items (or the omission of them) will vary, depending on relevance. Youââ¬â¢ll have to decide, for example, if artistic elements are so important that they should be included in the body of your paper (as in a film class), or if they are so seemingly insignificant that they appear at the end (perhaps in an economics class). Title of the film or documentary: Be sure to name the film in your first paragraph. State the date of its release. Summary: What happened in this film? As a reviewer, you must explain what happened in the film and express your opinion about the success or failure of the film makerââ¬â¢s creation. Donââ¬â¢t be afraid to express your opinion, but include specific reasons for likes and dislikes. (You canââ¬â¢t say ââ¬Å"it was boringâ⬠unless you provide justification.) Filmmaker: You should do a little research on the person who created this film. Is the director or writer a controversial figure?Is the filmmaker known for a political stance?Does the filmmaker have a significant background? If the filmmaker is known for controversy, this segment of your paper can be lengthy. Devote several paragraphs to an assessment of his or her other works and establish the significance of this work in the film makerââ¬â¢s career. Significance to your class: Why are you seeing this film in the first place? How does the content fit into your course topic? Is this film important for historical accuracy? If you are viewing a motion picture for your history class, be sure to make note of embellishments or over-dramatization. If you are reviewing a documentary for a history class, be sure to observe and comment on the sources used. Is this a motion picture based on a play youââ¬â¢ve read in English class? If so, make sure you specify whether the film illuminated or clarified elements you missed when reading the play. If you are reviewing a film for your psychology class, be sure to examine the emotional impact or any emotional manipulation you observe. Creative elements: Filmmakers go to great lengths to choose the creative elements of their films. How are these elements important to the overall product? Costumes for a period film can enhance a film or they can betray the intent of the film. Colors can be vivid or they can be dull. The use of color can stimulate and manipulate moods. Black and white shots can add drama. Good sound effects can enrich the viewing experience, while bad sound effects can destroy a film. Camera angles and movement can add elements to the story. A jagged transition adds intensity. Gradual transitions and subtle camera movements serve a specific purpose, as well. Finally, actors can make or break a film. Were the actors effective, or did poor acting skills detract from the filmââ¬â¢s purpose? Did you notice the use of symbols? Formatting Your Paper The order and emphasis of your paragraphs will depend on your class. The format will also depend on the course topic and your instructors preference. For example, a typical documentary review for a history class will follow guidelines for a Turabian book review, unless your instructor states otherwise. A typical outline would be: Introduction, to include film title, topic, and release dateAccuracy of the depictionUse of sourcesCreative elementsYour opinion A paper for your literature class, on the other hand, should adhere to MLA formatting guidelines. The film would most likely be a feature film, so the outline might go like this: Introduction, with title and release dateSummary of the storyAnalysis of story elements like rising action, climaxCreative elements, use of color, camera techniques, mood, and toneOpinion Your conclusion should detail whether the filmmaker was successful in his or her purpose for making this film, and re-state your evidence. It may also explain how the film was (was not) helpful for illuminating and providing a deeper understanding of a topic in your class.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)