-Pick a hypothetical research topic or question.  (This is just for this discussion board; this topic does not have to be used by you for any other assignments.  However, if you decide to do the final paper option involving a content analysis, then this can be the start of your draft protocol for that assignment.)

This project requires you to learn about a film genre or subgenre.  (You will probably have an easier time writing the paper if you pick a subgenre because your topic will be more narrow.)  Genres are those such as romantic comedy, Western, and so on.  You will read about this genre, and then analyze films in this genre.  If you are choosing this option, tell me that you are choosing option 1 and specify what genre you want to study.

• Option 2 Content Analysis

This project involves doing original research using the methodology of content analysis. You will create a coding sheet and use this to answer a research question. If you are choosing this option, tell me that you are choosing option 2 and tell me more about what you want to know using this method.

• Option 3 Industry Interview

This paper is a chance to better understand the film industry.  You will create an interview schedule and conduct an in-depth interview with someone in the film business (not a student or faculty member at USM). You will get a chance to practice your interviewing skills.  You will also watch and analyze one of their films, and read some research/articles that relate to the focus of your interview. If you are choosing this option, tell me that you are choosing option 3 and tell me who you want to interview.

• Option 4 Create Your Own

Some of you are film majors or might have an interest in writing, so you may want to write part of a screenplay or direct a short film. Someone who is an art or theater major might want to do something creative like design a stage set. If you want to choose this option, propose it here or set up an appointment to discuss it with me.

-Then begin crafting a protocol sheet.  Include at least 5-6 questions or elements, making sure to be meticulous and detailed in how each will be measured.  You do not have to actually analyze a film using the sheet.  It needs to be in the form of a coding sheet someone would fill out as they watch the film.  See the examples at the end of my lecture.  For instance, here are two potential examples of elements on a protocol sheet.

Is there evidence of self-stigma due to character’s symptoms and/or label of a mental disorder? (i.e.

lowered self-worth and/or self-discrimination, or there is a gap between who character thinks should

be and who character feels he/she is)?

___Yes ___No

If yes, explain:

• How would you characterize the character’s ability to socialize and form relationships with others (check one)?

___Social Outcast (unable to socialize with others and rarely forms a meaningful relationship with

anyone)

___Difficulty Socializing (has some problems participating in and interacting with others in social

settings but does form some meaningful relationships with others)

___Interacts Well With Others (interacts with and develops relationships with others; he/she does not

have more difficulties doing this than other “normal” characters in the film)

*As you can see, you must be specific in how you are defining and describing. You can’t just have a question that has the coder mark whether someone’s hair is long or short.  You  have to define long or short.