Description
Unformatted Attachment Preview
Spotlight Projects Prompt
Overview
This semester you will do two Spotlight Projects, each worth 125 points. For each
project, you will research and report on a specific topic related to moving image media and
culture and place it “in the spotlight.” The project is not a deep dive into all aspects of a topic,
but instead provides a brief, focused investigation that highlights what is interesting and
important about your topic, and why it deserves greater recognition. You should be able to
explain what is interesting and important about your topic in a way that would be engaging
and informative for a general audience. If you choose, your topic may include a creative
component.
Choosing a Topic
Topics can fall into several categories. If you have a topic idea that doesn’t fit neatly into these
categories, reach out to me to discuss your idea.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Object: Any specific item or example of technology used in the making or consuming
of moving image media that adds significantly to our understanding of some aspect of
moving image media art, science, technology, or culture.
Technique: Any specific technique used in the making of moving image media that
adds significantly to our understanding of some aspect of moving image media art,
science, technology, or culture.
Media example: Any specific example of moving image media (such as a film,
television show, etc) a significant clip from a larger example, or a well-known character
from moving image media that illustrates something significant about some aspect of
moving image media art, science, technology, or culture.
Specific contribution: A specific way that an individual (or group of people, such as a
movie studio or other group of collaborators) has contributed to the art, science,
technology, or culture of moving image media.
Genre: Any specific, narrowly-defined genre of moving image media whose features
add significantly to our understanding of some aspect of moving image media art,
science, technology, or culture.
Trope: Any familiar trope associated with moving image media, the features of which
add significantly to our understanding of some aspect of moving image media art,
science, technology, or culture.
Concept: Any theoretical or philosophical concept related to the making or consuming
of moving image media that adds significantly to our understanding of some aspect of
moving image media art, science, technology, or culture.
Incorporating a Creative Component (Optional)
You have the option to demonstrate the significance of some aspect of moving image media
through an example you have created yourself. For example, you might create a homemade
animation device, produce a short stop-motion animation, demonstrate how to create a
particular camera or lighting technique or special effect, try your hand at screenwriting or
storyboarding a short scene, and so on. If you choose this option, you must also include an
explanation of why you have chosen this option and what the process has taught you, as well
as provide background information into the topic supported by research.
Spotlight Project Expectations
I evaluate spotlight projects on the following criteria:
•
•
•
•
Comprehension: The topic should be well-chosen and appropriate in scope for the
assignment. Information about the topic should be relevant and accurate and
demonstrate a good understanding of the topic’s importance and how it relates to the
history and culture of moving image media more broadly.
Analysis: The project should contain insightful, original observations about the topic
that go beyond what has been covered in the course materials. You should be able to
effectively explain what is interesting and important about the topic for a general
audience.
Evidence and Works Cited Page: The project should provide support for its points
with citations from at least five different credible, high-quality sources. The project
should include a works cited list that uses correct and consistent formatting in MLA or
APA style.
Style and Editing: The project should be organized in an appealing and easy-to-follow
way. Any visuals included should have a clear purpose and enhance rather than
distract from the text. The project as a whole should be thoroughly edited for clarity and
to correct mistakes.
Spotlight Project Format
For your spotlight project, you have the option of writing a paper or making a slideshow
presentation using MS PowerPoint, Google Slides, or a similar tool. If you are more tech
savvy, or have chosen to do a creative project that would lend itself to a different medium, you
could make a short video or audio story about the topic, an interactive website, or similar. If
you choose an alternative medium, consult with me about the best way to submit your project
to avoid technical problems with submitting.
How Long Does it Have to Be?
Keep in mind that the Spotlight Project is short and focused. There aren’t specific length
guidelines but I estimate a sufficiently detailed, well-researched and focused paper would be
3-5 pages, a slideshow including visuals and citations around 15 slides, a video or audio
project under 5 minutes in length.
When Are Spotlight Projects Due?
•
Spotlight Project 1 will be due Sunday, March 3rd.
•
Spotlight Project 2 will be due Sunday, May 5th.
◦
Please note that your second spotlight project takes the place of a final project or
final exam in ESOC 340 and may not be turned in late.
Where Will I Submit My Spotlight Projects?
There are assignment folders for Spotlight Project 1 and 2 on D2L. I will link to these in the
content for the weeks that they are due.
◦
Note that if you have a project in an alternate format like a video, you made need to
compress your file or save your file elsewhere on the web and provide a link to
avoid problems with uploading a large file.
Working on Your Spotlight Project
Library Tutorials you may find helpful:
These can be found in the “Library Tools” tab on D2L. Click on “All Tools” to find the page with
these tutorials.
● What Type of Sources Do I Need?
● How Do I Create a Search Strategy?
● Mind Mapping For Focusing Your Topic
If you don’t have a topic:
Your goal is to come up with at least one specific topic idea, and do some preliminary research.
By the end of class you should have a short paragraph describing your topic and what you plan
to research about it, as well as a list of three potential sources for your research.
If you already have a topic, but have not begun researching yet:
Your goal is to find and take notes on at least one quality source for your research. By the end
of class, you should have at least skimmed the source and have written a paragraph summary
of the source explaining how you will use it for support in your project.
If you have a topic and have begun researching:
Your goal is to begin organizing your information. By the end of class you should have a draft of
an introduction and an outline of main points you want to cover in your project.
If you have already begun drafting your project:
Your goal is to continue working on your draft.
Purchase answer to see full
attachment
