What do I do with the Films I view for French 149?

1. Description of Assignment 1.1. View 4 films, one from each of the four film lists on Blackboard. Many are available at

Madden Library, the Fresno County Library, from Netflix and/ or even on-line.

1.2. Most films available at Madden Library can be checked out. Some popular ones, i.e. those in high demand by students from several different classes, will be available for viewing in the Library only.

1.3. Some of the films from List #4 (“Racism-Genocide-War”) are in high demand at the end of

the semester when this assignment is due. You have the entire semester to watch one of them: so plan accordingly and do not wait until the last minute to do so. You might also consider watching them with some of your classmates or with your class group.

1.4. All films are related to topics discussed in class. Write a reaction paper for each of these

four films.

2. How to choose your films

2.1. There are four Lists below this document. You need to view one film from each of these four lists: List #1 (“Islam”), List #2 (“Africa”) and List #4, (“Racism-Genocide-War”).

2.2. You can choose your third film either from the List #3 (“Special Topics”) or from all four

lists. For your third film only: you can also opt to watch a film, not listed in any of the four lists, that might be available from a film store, Netflix or the Fresno County Public Library… as long as the film is related to a class topic and you have check with the instructor about it.

2.3. If the film you have chosen is shorter than 80 minutes, you will have to watch at least

two. And together, these two films will count as one.

2.4. Please indicate the length of any of the film you are watching at the beginning or at the end of your report.

2.5. You can also chose to watch a film which you saw a clip of in clad to complete your film assignment. These are marked with a star (*) indicating precisely that portions of them might be shown in class in the course of the semester.

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3. How do I write my reaction paper? 3.1. Each reaction paper should have a length of 400-500 words. 3.2. Your reaction paper is part of what is called reflective expository writing: you basically

share your experience watching a film to a college-educated reader who may or may not have seen the film you discuss.

3.3. You have to include the following four elements in your reaction paper:

An introduction (3-5 lines) that explains what you will be talking about, including: the title of the film; (2) the name of the film director (if available); (3) the type of film (documentary, fictional film); (4) as well as a few words that characterize the film.

A short summary (8-10 lines) that describes the content of the film you are discussing;

An analysis, the main section of your reaction paper (2/3-3/4) where you: (1) describe and comment on the picture(s) or section(s) of the film which most

struck you and explain why. (2) explain how you understand this film and why it was worth watching. (3) discuss what you have learned from that film. (4) explain how it relates to what we are doing in class.

A conclusion (3-5 lines) synthesizing the key ideas you have developed in your reaction paper. This is the place to include your own perspective about the film: why you like or dislike it. (Please note that statements such as “I liked the film because it was interesting” are not to be included. Your instructor would not recommend a film were it not “interesting”!)

3.4. Please indicate the length of any of the film you are watching at the beginning or at the

end of your report.

3.5. If you have several short films from the same series counting as one film: treat them as one item in your reaction paper.

3.6. You need to submit all your reaction papers to SafeAssign and also bring a paper copy to your instructor.

Any question?

Consult your classmates first before asking your instructor for more information.