Film Analysis:
In this assignment, students choose and apply a basic theory or model from the course to a conflict to develop and demonstrate their depth of understanding and analytical skills. Students will view and prepare a CONFLICT ANALYSIS of one of the following films: The Battle of Algiers (1966), Twelve Angry Men (1957), The Story of Qiu Ju (1992), 13th (2016), The Gatekeepers (2012), Citizenfour (2014), Lincoln (2012), Marriage Story (2019) or stories: Proxopera (1977), Safe Area Gorazde (2000).
The film/story should be viewed outside of class, and the analysis should apply one of the basic models or theories from the course, which can include:
social interdependence theory, power theories, social-cultural theories, identity and intergroup models, justice theories, models of escalation dynamics, theories of intractability, and dynamical systems theory.
Students will go beyond a simple construct (power, justice, cooperation, etc.) and employ a theoretical model (power-dependence theory, relative deprivation theory, social interdependence theory, dynamical systems theory, etc) for the analysis. The paper should include a concise summary of the section of the film or story on which the analysis focuses. The analysis will address how the theory works (or does not work) to explain, for example, action or scene or characters. Students are cautioned not to simply summarize the plot or theory, but to apply the theory as a lens to understand the film/story. The paper should be 4 pages, double-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman font.
