Description
Brief
You will create a 7-10 minute video essay on a topic of your choice, based on one of the five units delivered in Semester A. You should research the topic thoroughly using academic literature (including at least one assigned reading from the unit), develop a clear line of argument related to the topic and supported by your reading, and your video essay must demonstrate academic skills of argument and analysis, supported by onscreen citations. You also must submit a copy of your script/outline, including a full bibliography for all sources used. (nb. There is no word count requirement for this, but we would recommend a script of c.1000 words for 10 mins).
Your video essay should include discussion of film and/or television case studies (this can include the weekly screenings, and/or relevant case studies of your choice.) Topics, arguments and case studies can be discussed with module tutors—more information and guidance will be provided throughout the semester.
For reference, a video essay consists of video clips, images, title cards, on-screen citation text and a voiceover. This is NOT a piece to camera, you should not be producing something in the style of a YouTube VLOG.
You may use any video editing software to edit this assignment (you are not required to use AVID Media Composer). The quality of the clips you source (i.e. resolution, bit rate, etc) will not be a major factor in the marking of this piece, as we appreciate some clips may be difficult to access in higher resolutions. However, clips will need to be of a high enough quality to illustrate your points clearly. Similarly, your voiceover needs to be clear enough for the marker to understand your arguments.
NOTE: You should avoid analysing any films or television programmes which you discussed in submissions for Level 4’s Introduction to Film and TV Studies, and should not reproduce any of your work from that module. This will ensure that you avoid self-plagiarism. It is okay to use academic sources you have previously used, if they are relevant.
This assignment allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of a specific film and TV topic of your choice, and to show how you have broadened that understanding through further research. It develops your skills in analysis, critical thinking, building arguments, and the application of theory to analysis of film and/or television texts. Finally, it allows you to further develop your skills in audiovisual communication, as well as the conventions of academic referencing. This assignment relates to, and will be marked against, module learning outcomes A2, B1, C1, D1, D2. Students are advised to refer to these to ensure their final assignment reflects these outcomes.
Things your marker will be looking for:
An understanding of the selected unit, connected readings, and chosen case studies.
An ability to identify appropriate academic resources (at least 5 academic sources including the weekly reading/s), a good understanding of them and an ability to apply them to your chosen case study or studies.
An argument which is clearly developed throughout the video essay in a logical manner, referencing supporting evidence as appropriate.
Appropriate use of audio-visual content to illustrate and enhance your argument, and a coherent structure and presentation, as well as accurate and consistent on-screen citations.
Submission of your script/outline in a coherent format, including a full bibliography using the Harvard referencing guide.
