The Eyes of Empire/The Military-Entertainment Complex" Social Essay

Write a 700-900 words response that critically reflects on at least one required film and one required reading from each week of a given Unit.
o For example: Critical Reflection 1 (Unit 1) must include analysis of at least one required film + one required reading from Week 1 and Week 2 each in relation to each other.
o Relate the films and readings to each other in the context of the broader themes/topics of the course.
o Course themes include but are not limited to:
▪ Structures of identity, ethnicity, sexuality, class, race, otherness
▪ Issues of social/political/environmental justice
▪ Notions of mobility, and ideas about the migrant through film and media; gender and migration; the city and migration; migration and climate change; queer migration; notions of home; border-crossings etc.
▪ Political oppression; incarceration; technologies of surveillance; protest cultures; human rights discourse, labor struggles, modes of solidarity etc.
▪ Also see more in “Course Description & Themes”, pg. 3-4 in the syllabus.
o Note: Your assignments should demonstrate your understanding of both films and reading in relation to each other. Do not simply describe films, or detail out the plot and characters, (a storyline of the film is easy to find on Wikipedia or any film library);
Please read the requirements carefully.
Write a 700-900 words response that critically reflects on at least ONE required film and ONE required reading from EACH week of a given unit.
You need to use materials from both weeks, so it should be in total 2 films and 2 readings.
And should not use materials that not provided.
Thank you so much!

CRITICAL REFLECTIONS (700-900 words each)  

Six critical reflections to be submitted in total starting Sept 14th (See course Schedule).

●        Description of assignment: Write a 700-900 words response that critically reflects on at least one required film and one required reading from each week of a given Unit.

• For example: Critical Reflection 1 (Unit 1) must include analysis of at least one required film + one required reading from Week 1 and Week 2 each in relation to each other.
• Relate the films and readings to each other in the context of the broader themes/topics of the course.
• Course themes include but are not limited to:

▪          Structures of identity, ethnicity, sexuality, class, race, otherness

▪           Issues of social/political/environmental justice

▪          Notions of mobility, and ideas about the migrant through film and media; gender and migration; the city and migration; migration and climate change; queer migration; notions of home; border-crossings etc.

▪          Political oppression; incarceration; technologies of surveillance; protest cultures; human rights discourse, labor struggles, modes of solidarity etc.

▪          Also see more in “Course Description & Themes”, pg. 3-4 in the syllabus.

• Note: Your assignments should demonstrate your understanding of both films and reading in relation to each other. Do not simply describe films, or detail out the plot and characters, (a storyline of the film is easy to find on Wikipedia or any film library);

●        Generic Assignment Prompt: Here are some general questions to prompt your critical reflections. You do not have to answer each of these questions in each post, but use them to guide you as you watch, read, analyze and write about films/texts in this course.

• What are the central arguments made by the assigned film(s) and reading(s)for the week, in relation to the subject of migration/immigration or diversity and movement of peoples and cultures?
• What social/cultural/political/historical issues brought into focus in the films?
• What themes emerge from these films and texts with regard to social justice, gender/race/nation or global issues in the materials studied?
•  How do you connect to these issues/themes personally, and how do the films and readings help you understand them in new ways (or not)?

●        Structure of post: You can divide your reflection into 3 (and up to 5) paragraphs ideally including a brief introduction, a body (main analysis of texts and films) and a brief conclusion. (You do not have to label each paragraph as such). 

• Title of post (in the subject line): Title your reflection in a manner that helps the reader get a quick sense of the contents of your post. It can be creatively worded or just functional or both, that is up to you. 
• Introduction:  Provide an opening statement that indicates how you are approaching the course materials, helping the reader understand what they are about to read. Make sure to mention the title of the films and the readings you are reflecting on within the first 1-3 sentences of your reflection. If possible, mention any key insight or idea from your reflection here.
• Body: The main content of your reflection that focuses on the analysis of the films and readings for the week, relating them to each other.  This can be further a single paragraph or it can be divided into a couple more paragraphs if you wish.
• Conclusion: Try to end your piece with a central question informed by your reflection, indicating a direction you would like to explore further in relation to the subject.

●         Style: A critical reflection should ideally combine an analytical approach and personal experience or outlook.  It is not mandatory to argue your position like in an academic essay, but it is required to analyze and reflect on the course materials assigned. Do not make sweeping statements without justification; illustrate your point using examples/quotes/scenarios from films and/or texts to support your argument. Also balance the analysis reflecting on both the films and the readings, not just one or the other. 
 

●        Citations: Cite the film and readings within the text and also at the end of your post, following any commonly accepted format such as Chicago (Notes and Bib or Author-Date), MLA, APA etc. (End citations are excluded from Word count).

• If you refer to any texts or films other than the required ones, you may cite them in addition to the required films and readings, however ensure that the content of your reflection is mainly devoted to the assigned course materials.
• The Chicago Manual of Style Online is available through the UB library, under Databases for your reference. https://www-chicagomanualofstyle-org.gate.lib.buffalo.edu/home.html
• MLA sources can be found here: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_formatting_and_style_guide.html
• For any help with writing contact the Center for Excellence in Writing, UB. https://www.buffalo.edu/writing.html

●        Some Don’ts:

• PLAIGIARISM: No plagiarism will be tolerated. It can result in failure in the course and serious consequences. Transliterating content from other languages to use in your post is also considered plagiarism. Don’t overuse quotes. Your assignment should not include more than 20 percent of quoted material.
• Describing a film is not reflection or analysis: Don’t spend a significant part of your assignment, in summarizing or describing a film’s story, scene, plotline or characters. This information is easily available online and does not constitute a critical reflection.
• Do not write just to fill word count: Repeating the same information, using irrelevant text, rambling and using too much description as described above, will not be appreciated. 
•  Don’t ignore readings: Leaving out any of the required materials from your analysis can adversely impact your grades.
• Don’t submit late:  Don’t wait till the last minute to post, give yourself ample time to post, so that your account for unexpected delays. Late posts can cause you to lose points under punctuality and attendance. [See grading and attendance policy].