Now that you have dissected and critically analyzed multiple contemporary works of popular literature, it's time to move on to a different medium: cinema. Movies tell stories and give messages, and like written and verbal stories, they can (and almost certainly do) contain rhetorical devices. Sometimes, the message can be sustainability-centric, whether sustainability plays a subtle or prominent role. Movies are much more likely to have mass popular appeal than books. Think about it - when is the last time a book was a major news item, in the way movies like Black Panther, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Schindler's List, or Titanic have been? For better or worse, movies are probably the most widely consumed story-telling medium today, and so offer a great opportunity to get one's message "out there."
In this last module, you will apply your now well-honed critical analysis tools and sustainability and rhetorical knowledge to the analysis of a movie. You will watch Interstellar, a very prominent movie that was released in November of 2014. This has proven to be a very popular movie, grossing more than $675,000,000 [1] worldwide! It also won an Oscar [2] for "Best Achievement in Visual Effects," and was nominated for four other Oscars. Contributing to its mass appeal is the fact that it stars prominent actors and actresses, including Matthew McConaughey (the McConnaisance continues!), Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, and the legendary Michael Caine, and was directed by Christopher Nolan of Batman fame. As you will see, sustainability - in particular, the ability of the earth to sustain life - plays a central role in this movie, which is one reason it was chosen for analysis.
As with the last artifact, I want you to think critically about the movie as you watch it, especially with regards to how the content relates to sustainability (all 3 E's) and the ability of humans to live within the ecological limits of the planet while maintaining and/or establishing a reasonable quality of life for the people on Earth. It is important that you think as objectively as possible, trying to see past preconceived ideas and consider the science behind the story and the rhetorical devices used. It is important that you look at the assignments for the lessons in Module 4 before you begin watching because they will indicate key pieces of information to focus on. Also, keep in mind as you watch this movie how you can apply some of the techniques in your final project.
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
This week you have part 1 of a discussion board due, and an optional discussion board as well. Also, note that the rough draft of your final project is due this week. Again, see Canvas for details.
| Requirement | Item Location | Submission Location |
|---|---|---|
| Lesson 11 Discussion Board - Scientific Analysis of the Movie Part I | See content on Canvas. | Canvas - Modules tab > Lesson 11 |
| Final Project Rough Draft | See content on Canvas. | Canvas - Modules tab > Final Project |
If you have any general course questions or questions about this lesson's content, please post them to our HAVE A QUESTION? discussion forum located under the Modules tab in Canvas. I will check that discussion forum regularly to respond as appropriate. While you are there, feel free to post your own responses and comments if you are able to help out a classmate. If you have a question but would like to remain anonymous to the other students, email me through Canvas.
If you have something related to the material that you'd like to share, feel free to post to the Coffee Shop forum, also under the Modules tab in Canvas.
I hope that you enjoyed the movie! It gives a lot of food for thought on many levels, not the least of which regards sustainability. You should be able to do the following after completing the Lesson 11 activities:
Check the list of requirements on the first page of this lesson and the syllabus to make sure that you have completed all of the activities listed before the due date. Once you've ensured that you've completed everything, you are welcome to move forward with Lesson 12 (aka The Last Lesson!).
Complete all activities in Lesson 11, located under the Lessons tab in Canvas. For all assignments, it is extremely important that you look at the rubric before answering. You will see a button that allows you to view it below the assignment.
These activities are to be done individually and are to represent YOUR OWN WORK. (See Academic Integrity and Research Ethics [4] for a full description of the College's policy related to Academic Integrity and penalties for violation.)
If you have questions about the assignment, please post them to the "HAVE A QUESTION?" Discussion Forum. I am happy to provide clarification and guidance to help you understand the material and questions. Of course, it is best to ask early.
Links
[1] http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=interstellar.htm
[2] http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0816692/awards?ref_=tt_awd
[3] https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/interstellar_2014/
[4] https://www.ems.psu.edu/undergraduate/academic-advising/policies-procedures-and-forms/academic-integrity-undergraduates