Description
Write a 1200-1500 word essay analyzing the cinematographic representations of the first one hundred years of Cosa Nostra, both in Sicily and in the United States. In the beginning of your paper please indicate its word count.
Title your midterm paper “Cinematographic Representations of Cosa Nostra in Italian and American Films: from The Leopard to The Day of the Owl”.
Your essay should cover the following topics, but not necessarily in this order:
Summarize the first 100 years of mafia history in Italy and the US. Include citations from Dickie that provide evidence of your own words. Do not copy text from your previous essays, as this is a synthesis of what you have learned so far and not a repetition.
Discuss how the films we have watched through and including Module 4 depict the main events in the first century of mafia history. You have to discuss all 7 (seven) films. Analyze historical events and the films in parallel, showing how the films reflect on the major periods in the history of the mafia. Cite from both Dickie and Renga here, again to provide evidence of your own words.
Analyze the differences and similarities in the artistic representation of Cosa Nostra in the Italian and American films that you have seen thus far. Include citations from Renga that support your own analysis.
Cite all sources used to support your analysis. Select your quotes and references carefully and integrate them into your argument. Your essay should demonstrate that you have read all the required course readings and that you are able to make connections between the readings and the films. Your essay must contain numerous citations (quotes and references) from both course textbooks and the films. A good number of textbook citations is 6-10. Please refer to Citation guidelines in Module 0 for proper use and formatting of your citations.
Submit your essay as an attachment using Microsoft Word or PDF. Double-space your document and use Times New Roman 12. Please read the grading rubric carefully before submitting your paper.
Rubric
Midterm paper rubric
Midterm paper rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization
10 pts
Excellent
Paper is organized very well, there is an introduction, main body and conclusion. The text is organized in paragraphs outlining ideas and topics in a logical manner.
8 pts
Proficient
Paper is organized well, there is an introduction, main body and conclusion, but a proper organization in paragraphs is missing or could be improved.
5 pts
Developing
There is some evidence of organization, but the text is not organized in logical paragraphs, and the introduction and conclusion are missing or are not obvious enough.
3 pts
Does not meet expectations
Little to no evidence of organization.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten expression
10 pts
Excellent
Well-developed vocabulary and academic style of writing. The paper is free from grammatical, syntactical, punctuation or spelling errors. Tone and style are professional and appropriate.
8 pts
Proficient
Well-developed vocabulary and academic style of writing. There are a few grammatical, syntactical, punctuation or spelling errors, none major. Tone and style are professional, but may contain an occasional example of slang or clichés.
5 pts
Developing
Some use of professional vocabulary and academic style of writing is present. Paper contains a number of mechanical and syntax errors, but few are major. Paper may contain slang, clichés and generalizations. Tone and style are intermittently academic.
3 pts
Does not meet expectations
Very limited use of professional vocabulary. There are word choice errors, generalizations, slang, overly informal expressions or clichés. Multiple mechanical and syntax errors, many major.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAnalysis
50 pts
Excellent
Extensive evidence of careful critical thinking about the films and the course learnings. Conclusions are particularly thoughtful and well developed.
35 pts
Proficient
Important connections between the films and the course learnings are identified. Student is able to see “the big picture” and make clear conclusions.
25 pts
Developing
Some important connections between the films and the course learnings are identified. Conclusions are present but may be vague or unelaborated.
10 pts
Does not meet expectations
Important connections between the films and the course learnings are NOT identified. Little or no attempt to draw conclusions or go beyond the surface level.
50 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeReferences
30 pts
Excellent
Elaborated and well-used references from all course sources are present in the paper, and clearly support the student’s arguments. In-line citations are formatted correctly and all references are listed at the end of the paper.
25 pts
Proficient
Multiple references from course sources are present in the paper, and support the student’s arguments, but some sources may be missing. In-line citations may be formatted incorrectly and all references are not listed at the end of the paper.
20 pts
Developing
Limited references from course sources are present, or they are used in a superficial manner and lack elaboration. In-line citations are formatted incorrectly and references are not listed at the end of the paper.
15 pts
Does not meet expectations
The use of references is severely lacking and does not demonstrate that the student has acquired sufficient knowledge from course readings. All in-line citations are formatted incorrectly and references are not listed at the end of the paper.
30 pts
Total Points: 100
