213 Week 1. Critical Reflections Assignments. Communications & Media Essay

6 Critical Reflections Assignments (700-750 words each, weekly)
● Description of assignment: Write a 700-750 words response that critically reflects ontwo films and the required readings for the week, relating them to each other and to thebroader themes of the course. Your assignments should demonstrate yourunderstanding of both films and reading in relation to each other.Do not simply describe films, or detail out the plot and characters, instead - discuss thefilms in relation to the prompt below and the concepts and themes brought up in the
reading/s and vice versa. (See themes under Course Description in syllabus.)
● Assignment Prompt: Here are some questions to prompt your critical reflections. Youdo not have to answer each of these questions in each post, but use them as a genericprompt to guide you as you watch, read, analyze and write about films/texts in thiscourse.o What are the central arguments made by the assigned film(s) and reading(s)forthe week, in relation to the subject of immigration or diversity?o What social/cultural/political/historical issues brought into focus in the films?o What themes emerge from these films and texts with regard to social justice,gender/race/nation or global issues in the materials studied?o How do you connect to these issues/themes personally, and how do the filmsand readings help you understand them in new ways (or not)?
● Style: A critical reflection should ideally combine an analytical approach and personalexperience or outlook. It is not mandatory to argue your position like in an academicessay, but it is required to analyze and reflect on the course materials assigned.o Balance the reflection with personal opinion (or lived experience) and objectiveanalysis of film and readings as far as possible.o Do not make sweeping statements without justification; illustrate your pointusing examples/quotes/scenarios from films and/or texts to support yourargument.o Give emphasis to both film and readings to demonstrate your understanding ofboth in relation to each other. Writing only about the film and ignoring thereading or vice-versa can adversely impact your grades.
● Structure of post: You can divide your reflection into (at least) 3 paragraphs including abrief introduction, a body (main analysis of texts and films) and a brief conclusion. (Youdo not have to label each paragraph as such.)o Title of post (in the subject line): Title your reflection in a manner that helps thereader get a quick sense of the contents of your post. It can be creatively wordedor just functional or both, that is up to you.o Introduction: Provide an opening statement that indicates how you areapproaching this weeks materials, giving an entry for the reader into yourreflection. Make sure to mention the title of the films and the readings you arereflecting on within the first 1-3 sentences of your reflection.o Body: The main content of your reflection that focuses on the analysis of thefilms and readings for the week, relating them to each other.o Conclusion: Try to end your piece with a central question informed by yourreflection, indicating a direction you would like to explore further in relation tothe subject.
● 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 (excluded from Word count).
● If you refer to any additional texts or films, you may cite them in addition to therequired films and readings, however ensure that the content of your reflection ismainly devoted to the assigned course materials. 
● Do not do the following:o PLAIGIARISM: No plaigiarism will be tolerated. It can result in failure in thecourse and serious consequences. Transliterating content from other languagesto use in your post is also considered plagiarism. Don’t overuse quotes. Yourassignment should not include more than 20 percent of quoted material.o Describing a film is not reflection or analysis: Don’t spend a significant part ofyour assignment, in summarizing or describing a film’s story, scene, plotline orcharacters. This information is easily available online and does not constitute acritical reflection.o Do not write just to fill word count: Repeating the same information, usingirrelevant text, rambling and using too much description as described above, willnot be appreciated.o Don’t ignore readings: Leaving out any of the required materials from youranalysis can adversely impact your grades.