Sound Analysis

(How does the sound create meaning)

Minimal Requirements: 

• Two and a half pages
• MLA format with works cited page
• Thesis-based (must form an argument)
• Must build an argument about sound based on one film
• Must meet department standards:  See rubric at ArtOfFilm/Spring2010/Assignments/Ruby.docx.
• Paper Due Date:  April 7.  No papers will be accepted after this date.

Focusing on the sound (dialogue, music, and sound effects) in one of the films from this semester, analyze how meaning is created through the use of diegetic and nondiegetic sounds.  Some questions to consider:  How does the sound interact with the images?  Does the film use a lietmotif to accompany a particular actor?  Does sound bridge the scenes?  How does the soundtrack add inherent meaning to the themes of the film--or does it work in a contradictory or ironic manner?  Is the sound subtle or does it overpower the film? 

You may choose from any of the films on the reading schedule for this semester.  If you feel strongly about analyzing another film, you must submit a proposal in writing at least one week before the due date.  If I approve and sign this proposal, then you are permitted to write on that film.  Your proposal must have a plan of action, meaning you must list what you find interesting about the sound and a working thesis statement.

Content (details) + Context (purpose of scene and elements)

+ Insight (judgments) = Analysis

Remember that if you plagiarize or excessively collaborate,

you will fail the entire class. 

You must do your own work and your own thinking.

Academic Honesty: According to the Vice President of Academic Affairs Office, academic dishonesty is defined as: "Improper academic conduct shall also include plagiarism, i.e., the purchase and use of ghost-written papers and reports, or incorporating into a report, term theme, research paper, or project, ideas and information obtained from another person without giving credit to the person from whom such information was obtained.  Further, inclusion of the published or unpublished writings of another person without duly noting these sources according to normal scholarly procedures shall be considered plagiarism. No material prepared to meet the requirements in one course may be used to fulfill the requirements in another without permission of the instructor. The above definition of academic misconduct applies equally to improper use of electronic sources of information and opinion."

Your grade for this project will be based on interest and sophistication of ideas, thoroughness of preparation, clarity and articulate expression of the research and results. In other words, I want these projects to reflect your interests and be well presented and clearly articulated in written form. Your enthusiasm and interest will help enormously in producing an interesting project for your audience. Make this project your own and you will do well. If the project is someone else's, I will most likely find out. Moreover, you will receive an F for the project if there has been an act of academic dishonesty.