Film

For this paper, I want you to watch three films, of your choice, from three time periods. First, watch a film made in the 1950s or 1960s, taking note of gender relations and the ways in which gender is portrayed. Then watch a film from the 1970s/1980s/1990s and again take note of gender relations and the ways in gender is portrayed. Make note of shifts from the two period. Lastly, I would like you to watch a film from 2010 to present day and make note of gender relations, and gender portrayal. Consider how those have changed over time. Look for subtle messages about gender in each. How is gender portrayed? What gender stereotypes is it reinforcing? How does it reinforce the gender binary? How does it portray gendered bodies? How does this impact the way we understand gender ourselves? How are these issues intersecting with other social characteristics, such as race and socioeconomic status?  How have they influenced our understanding of gender over time? What is the role of media in this understanding of gender?

Your analysis should refer back to course materials and theoretical concepts from the course. Additionally, your paper needs to be clearly organized. Do not just simply answer the questions listed above. Those are just a starting point for your analysis. You should not use any outside sources, including film analysis articles or summaries about the films. These summaries and analyses should be your own! Watch the films and take notes. As you watch, make note of any connections to the texts. You should quote your texts (Sissy, textbook, or online materials) at least 4 times in the paper. All quotes need a page number and author (i.e., for your textbook, you would add Wade & Ferree, p.23 for your reader Tobia, p.22 and articles from the course would be author, p.xx)