ASIA 375 Sequence Analysis Essay Guidelines & Rubric
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ASIA 375 Sequence Analysis Essay Guidelines & Rubric
You will work on one sequence (lasting from several seconds to several minutes in a film) in one of the assigned films, and analyze how the film uses a certain type of mise-en-scene to create implicit meaning in the sequence. You are welcome to use scholarly works to support your argument. Cite your sources properly using the MLA style. Maximum 800 words, double- spaced.
What is a sequence?
According to Ed Sikov’s Film Studies, a sequence is “a component of film narrative that maintains a unity of time, place, or dramatic action but introduces a discontinuity; for example, a single dramatic action (a man goes shopping) continues throughout a sequence but the locations change (a large department store, a jewelry shop, a florist, a sporting goods store) and time is speeded up (shots of clocks on the wall reveal the passing of an entire afternoon).” (pp. 224)
Film Arts: An Introduction (tenth edition) defines sequence from another perspective: the term [sequence] commonly used for a moderately large segment of film, involving one complete stretch of action; in a narrative film, often equivalent to a scene (pp. 504).
In other words, a sequence contains scenes (and a scene contains shots). We can regard a sequence as a narrative unit. For instance, in the above example, the narrative unit of “a man goes shopping” makes itself a sequence. Let’s also take a look at Enter the Dragon, which contains several sequences. I listed some examples below (not a complete list):
1) The opening sequence
2) Lee’s background (or Lee’s sister’s death)
3) Roper’s background
4) William’s background
5) The boat (traveling to Han’s island)
You will pick a sequence from one of the assigned films on the syllabus, and analyze it in detail. Please note that since the word limit is 800 words, you do not want to put everything there. As a sequence can last from several seconds to several minutes, you may want to select one or two scenes or even one or two shots to analyze, and relate your analysis to the whole sequence. Please refer to the grading rubric below for more details.
Rubric:
|
Criterion |
Points |
Description |
|
Organization and Coherence
|
25
|
Your essay should have a clear structure. Start with a clear introduction, followed by body paragraphs that present your main observation and evidence, and conclude with a short summary. Your essay should have a logic flow, and a natural transition between sentences and paragraphs. Each sentence builds on preceding sentences, and supports the central claim of the paragraph. Please remember to title your essay! |
|
Analysis
|
28
|
Your essay should demonstrate a strong ability to articulate coherent viewpoints, effectively illustrating the way in which your ideas are built. It should have a clear argument/central focus statement (tips on argument fromUNC Writing Center), and should pay attention to details that provide substantiating proof to enhance the central argument. It should articulate the connections among elements (i.e. elements of mise-en-scene), and offer time stamps on specific shots/scenes/sequences. You are welcome to bring in scholarly discussion for evidence, though that is not required. If you include quotes from the readings, they should be short (i.e., several words or a short sentence) and right to the point. No block quotes. |
|
Application of Cinematic Language
|
30
|
You should read the films with cinematic language. You should delve into mise-en-scene of the sequence you choose (incorporating time stamps will definitely help to locate what you are referring to), employing cinematic language to elucidate your points: for instance, shot and/or camera angles and/or movements and/or editing and/or sound design and/or narrative structure and/or genre and/or etc., to articulate your observations with precision and depth. Please be selective when you choose among all the elements under the umbrella term mise-en-scene since the word limit is only 800 (it would be best to focus on one or two element(s) of mise-en-scene and delve deep into it). Your application of cinematic language should be coherent with your central argument and analysis. |
|
Style and Tone
|
10
|
Your essay should keep a consistent style—MLA style (more information on MLA style:UBC Library;Purdue Online Writing Lab), and tone throughout, conveying your argument and evidence effectively. It should also cite your sources properly with the MLA style. No redundant analysis. |
|
Within the Word Limit (excluding References) |
5 |
Your essay should not exceed 800 words (excluding your references), double-spaced. |
|
Punctuality
|
2-100
|
Your essay should be submitted before the due date or within the corresponding window period. After the window period, 2 points will be deducted for the first 24 hours; then 3-point off per day late. |
Notes:
1. The categories listed in this rubric are interconnected, each corresponding with another to attain an organic whole. Please do not consider the categories in isolation.
2. You will receive grading comments on this assignment. If you have questions/concerns regarding the comments you received and/or would like to receive more detailed comments, please email your grader first. If you feel you would like to have a discussion with me after discussing your response with your grader, please feel free to email me and copy your grader in that email.
3. Late submissions (outside the window period) for any assignment will not receive grading comments.
2025-11-01