Assignment #2- Film Reflection: No Small Matter

You will view the documentary film, No Small Matter(2018), which focuses on the importance of early childhood education and the first five years. After viewing the film, you will complete and submit documentary film study.

Here is the trailer for the film to pique your interest before watching (optional):

DUE: May 16^th.

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS:

First, please click on the link below to view the film in its entirety (about 1 hour and 10 minutes)

No Small Matter Film

Then, you will download the Word document to take notes while watching the film.

You will complete the prompts based on the film, writing it in paragraph form (i.e. reflective essay), save the document, then submit it on Canvas.

You don't have to number your paragraphs, but please answer each question as a separate paragraph, and make sure it is clear which question you are answering in each paragraph.

PLEASE DOWNLOAD THIS DOCUMENT FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT

This is the information you will see when you download the document:

Film Study Worksheet for a Documentary Seeking to Persuade the Viewer

On a Matter of Political or Social Significance

No Small Matter

Read the questions before you watch the film so that you will know what to look for while you watch. At breaks during the showing or at the film's end, you will have an opportunity to make short notes in the spaces provided. If you make notes while the film is playing, make sure that your note taking doesn't interfere with carefully watching the movie. You do not need to make any notes on the worksheet, but after the film is over, you will be required to fully respond to the questions.

Complete the assignment by answering each question in paragraph form. Answers need to be complete and comprehensive, demonstrating that you paid attention to the film and thought about what was shown on the screen. You may use more than one paragraph if necessary. Be sure that the topic sentence of your first paragraph uses key words from the question. All responses should be in complete sentences using proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Each response is worth 5 points, for a total of 40 points.

1. State the title of the film and the year it was released. Then briefly describe what the film is about and the position that it advocates.

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1. Describe the progression of the film: how it begins, what stages it passes through, and how it concludes.

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1. List six facts described in the film that impressed you and explain how each fact relates to the film’s premise or theme.

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1. How did the filmmakers try to convince you of the position that the film supports? Look for appeals to logic, emotion, and prejudice.

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1. Did any of the reasoning given in support of the position advocated by the film seem to be weak or misleading? If so, describe the concept put forward in the film and why you thought the reasoning was flawed. If not, what points from the film do you wish to know more about?

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1. Describe any cinematic techniques used in presenting particular scenes, images, or sounds which were designed to appeal to the viewer’s emotions and to encourage the viewer to agree with the position advocated by the film, without reliance upon fact or logical argument.

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1. If the filmmakers asked how this film could be improved, what would you tell them? Describe the changes you would suggest in detail. Suggest at least one change.

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1. Did the film change your mind about any aspect of the subject that it presents, or make you think about the subject in a different way? What information, argument or persuasive technique caused you to change your mind?

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