TCF 440/540 Seminar in American Cinema
Spring 1998
Assignment Two
Due at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, 25 February. Undergraduates' papers should
be at least four pages (1200 words) and are worth 16 points. Grad students'
papers should be at least five pages (1500 words) and are worth 15 points.
All papers must be word-processed or typed. You are not expected to do outside
research for these papers, but if you do then any references to sources other
than yourself must be properly footnoted (this includes references
to course reading material). Late papers will be penalized one point per
day.
These papers will be graded on the basis of conceptual rigor and fluency
of writing style (i.e., grammar, spelling, etc.).
Write on one of the following questions, or develop your own position on
THE QUIET MAN and the readings.
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Starting with the John Ford lecture and incorporating the course
readings, discuss the elements of theme, narrative and visual style that
make THE QUIET MAN a "John Ford" film.
-
Trace the development of one Fordian theme through HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY,
WAGONMASTER, and THE QUIET MAN. (You may add THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE
or other Ford films that you have seen outside of class.)
-
Write a short scenario (that is, a plot) for a film by "John Ford." Include
some specifics of style (sound and image), and casting. Explain how your
scenario exemplifies Fordian themes, narrative structure and style. (The
scenario should be two-thirds of the paper and the explanation the remaining
third.)
-
Beginning with the course readings, mount an auteurist comparison of Howard
Hawks and John Ford--incorporating RIO BRAVO, HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY,
WAGONMASTER and THE QUIET MAN (and other Hawks or Ford films that you have
seen outside of class).