“Heroes, as far as I could see, were white — and not merely because of the movies, but because of the land in which I lived, of which movies were simply a reflection,”

- James Baldwin

Unit 5: The Black PantherMedia Critique

Dear Makers, For our performance task we will be producing a piece of media

criticism, similar to the examples that we have seen. You will need to choose a piece of media and develop a specific research questions your piece will address. We will collect all of the critiques to be displayed in a classroom website. Your critiques will be reviewed by your classmates and accessible to other staff members and peers.

Requirements: 1. Must display a clear argument.2. Must critique at least ONE piece of media. 3. Must reference at least THREE outside sources. 4. Must include a works cited page5. Must be explicitly connected to course concepts. (i.e.

Representation, Diversity, Gaze, Social Cognitive Theory, Cultivation Theory, The Bechdel Test, Pan - Africanism, Character Arcs,

Archetypes, The Collective Unconscious, The Hero’s Journey)

Possible Products:- A piece of written criticism (suggested 3-4 pages. Double Spaced. 12pt font.) - A video argument (similar to the Film Theory: Neo isn’t The One in the Matrix, suggested 3-4 mins.) - Infographic/visual (similar to the Representation Slides. Those infographics did not necessarily

present arguments. BE SURE your argument is EXPLICIT.) - A political cartoon or story board- A script or short story (similar to Moonlight by Jay-Z) - A song or poem (similar to The Revolution Will Not Be Televised and similar in length) - Anything you want, just have it approved my Ms. Riley and Mr. Alex.

Your project will be assessed on the following standards:

Design Thinking Academics

1. Classify Information - I can organize, analyze and evaluate gathered information.

2. Plan for Solution - I can create a plan for solution.

3. Create a Prototype - I can create a testable first attempt at a solution.

4. Test the Solution - I can evaluate the successes and failures of my attempt against my established criteria.

5. Revise the Solution - I can revise my work based on feedback.

6. Present Findings - I can adjust my presentation to a specific audience.

7. Reflect on the Results - I can reflect on my process and product.

1. My writing contains minimal to no errors in conventions (grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization).

2. I can conduct research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating nuanced understanding of the subject under investigation.

3. I can complete in-depth independent reading beyond summative comprehension and thoroughly annotate routinely over extended time frames.

4. I can analyze author's choice through setting, character, events, and examine how author's choices contribute to overall structure and meaning.

5. I can analyze how the author introduces a set of ideas, organizes and connects them.

6. I can skillfully provide substantive and pertinent evidence to develop my argument.

7. I can develop a topic through a skillful introduction that orients reader, insightfully addressing all aspects of prompt, and a conclusion that is meaningful and reflective.

8. I can write with diction that shows critical thinking and creativity in a way that enhances the meaning of the writing throughout the essay. I can strategically use academic language and/or literary terms.

9. I can effectively integrate and cite my evidence using MLA format.10. I can support the presentation of complex ideas, concepts and

information through the use of well-chosen multimedia components.

Schedule

Wednesday 3/14

Thursday 3/15 Friday 3/16 Monday 2/19 Wednesday 3/21

Thursday3/22

Friday 3/23

Performance Task One Pager

Project Proposal

Reading Examples

Work Day #1

Project Proposal Conferencing

Begin Brainstorming.

Work Day #2 Work Day #3

First Draft Due

Work Day #4

Peer Revisions

Incorporating Teacher Feedback

Work Day #5

Formatting sources and Works Cited.

Work Day #6

Final Touch

Final Draft Due

Possible Research Questions for The Black Panther Film: You may expand upon any of your Black Panther Response Questions to create a full piece. Alternatively you may consider any of these questions:

● “We must look after each other as if we were one single tribe” The a discussion of isolationism is a major theme of the film. Does the film have a political message? Do you agree?

● How are female characters presented in this film? Where are they positioned in terms of the power dynamics of the film? What attributes are most clearly displayed in the female characters?

● “When black people started revolutions they never had firepower of the resources.” What are the connotations of “The Black Panther”? Did the film echo any Black Power messages? Why or why not? What might be some of

the revolutions that Killmonger is referring to? What ideas or preconceived notions do you think the audience might bring to the film?

● How does the film use color? Many characters are dressed in only one color for the duration of the film. Okoye wears only red. Nakia wears only green. Zuri wears purple. T’Challa dresses mostly in blue, but in the final scene he wears an outfit of many colors. Why do you think the director and costume designer made these choices?

● What is the importance of the Everett Ross character? Consider the interrogation scene and the way he interacts in Okoye and T’Challa. How does his presence reinforce the “gaze” of the film?

● Analyze the relationship between T’Challa and Killmonger. In what ways do they agree? In what ways do they disagree? How have their different experiences shaped them? Why was it important to present both their viewpoints in the film?

● “If life started right here on this continent aren’t all the world’s people your people.” What messages are in the film about global community? Is there such a thing as a universal black experience? Do the people of Wakanda have a responsibility to other black people?

● “With vibranium weapons they could overthrow everyone and rule the right way” Is there a right way to rule? What does the film tell us about leadership and power?

● Wakanda is supposed to be the most technologically advanced nation on the planet, but it keeps its innovations a secret. How does this narrative subvert stereotypes about African nations? Why do you think Stan Lee chose to create Wakanda? Does its sophistication have implications beyond the narrative of the comics?

● Analyze the use of music in the film. What types of music were used and when were they used?

● Analyze the use of accents and language in the film. How were words and dialect used to add authenticity to the film. How does this connect to concept of representation.

● How does the narrative and characterization of the film compare to the comics? Are these differences influenced by the author’s experience or the perceived audience?

KNOWS NEED TO KNOWS*