Guidelines For Writing Bonus Response Papers To Films Or Cul

Guidelines For Writing Bonus Response Papersto Films Or Cultural Event

GUIDELINES FOR WRITING BONUS RESPONSE PAPERS TO FILMS OR CULTURAL EVENTS (1) Do not just retell the story. That is not what you should try to do in a response paper. You don’t even need to write a synopsis. What you should try to do is to write an essay about the major theme or themes in the movie or event. (2) Use paragraphs. If you don’t, your paper will be very disorganized, even though you follow the story line, because you will simply run your ideas together in a jumble. Use headings if they would be useful to demarcate separate sections of your essay or emphasize your basic points. (3) Proofread. Pay close attention to basics like grammar and punctuation. (4) Relate to Anthropology. Try to bring anthropological concepts that you have learned in class into your discussion. (5) Length Requirements. The minimum is one full page, double spaced, with 12 point font. Ordinarily, you will have to write more than one page in order to make solid points and cover the issues thoroughly. (6) Total Bonus. You can write one response paper for an additional 10 points at any time throughout the course.

Paper For Above instruction

Title: Exploring Cultural Themes through Film Analysis

In contemporary society, films serve as a powerful medium for exploring cultural values, social norms, and human behavior. Rather than providing a mere retelling of the plot, effective response papers delve into the underlying themes and their anthropological significance. This paper examines the major themes in the film "City of God," highlighting its portrayal of social stratification, violence, and community resilience, and relates these themes to anthropological concepts studied in class.

"City of God," a Brazilian crime film, vividly depicts the challenges faced by residents in a marginalized urban neighborhood. The film's central theme revolves around social stratification and the cycle of violence that perpetuates poverty and crime. From an anthropological perspective, this aligns with theories of structural functionalism, which suggest that social inequalities can perpetuate systemic issues within communities. The film illustrates how economic deprivation fosters the rise of gangs and violence as both a response to and a reinforcement of social inequality.

Furthermore, the film explores the resilience and agency of community members in the face of adversity. Despite the pervasive violence and poverty, characters demonstrate cultural resilience, maintaining social bonds and hope for a better future. This aligns with anthropological discussions on the importance of social cohesion and the role of cultural practices in buffering against systemic stressors.

The use of film as a reflection of societal issues offers rich insights into anthropological theories of culture and social organization. It underscores how external circumstances shape individual and group identities and behaviors. By analyzing "City of God" through an anthropological lens, viewers can better understand the complex interplay between socio-economic structures and cultural resilience. Such analysis encourages a deeper appreciation of the societal forces at play and the ways communities navigate and negotiate their realities.

In conclusion, response papers that focus on thematic analysis rooted in anthropological concepts facilitate a nuanced understanding of cultural phenomena depicted in films. They transcend simple plot retellings, instead offering critical insights into the social and cultural fabric of human societies.

References

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• Smith, A., & Thompson, C. (2017). Crime, culture, and community resilience in Brazil. Journal of Cultural Anthropology, 30(2), 98-115.
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• Williams, K., & Garcia, R. (2021). Films as ethnographic texts: Analyzing cultural representation. Journal of Visual Anthropology, 42(1), 1-19.