Music in Film Feature with Limited AI Use

Adapted from: Courses on Film Studies and Contemporary Music.

Purpose

This assignment challenges students to compose a publication-ready music in film feature without reliance on AI tools.

This assignment emphasizes the uniquely human skills of creativity, critical thinking, and rhetorical decision-making in writing and analysis, supported by AI tools to enhance the writing process.

Learning Outcomes

• Compose a well-structured, publication-ready document of at least 2000 words.
• Demonstrate effective use of brainstorming, drafting, revising, and incorporating feedback.
• Critically analyze the role of music in film and its impact on emotional and narrative elements.

Instructions

Format (Final Deliverable)

1. Brainstorming
   • Explore top film magazines and websites to identify how music enhances narratives and creates emotional impact.
   • Use platforms like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb to research reviews and examples.
2. Pitch Topic
   • Share your ideas with your group for peer feedback.
3. Outline and Annotated Bibliography
   • Create an outline of your feature and compile a list of at least five credible sources.
   • Consult the Writing Center for guidance on structuring your outline.
4. First Draft
   • Write a 2000-3000 word draft, incorporating research and clear structure:
     • Introduction with a compelling anecdote or hook.
     • Body with examples, analysis, and evaluation of music’s impact.
     • Conclusion reflecting on broader implications.
5. Peer Review and Feedback
   • Submit your draft for peer and instructor feedback.
6. Revision and Final Submission
   • Revise your draft using feedback. Include a table of revisions showing changes made.
7. Reflection
   • Add a reflection covering:
     • Personal takeaways from the topic.
     • Rhetorical strategies for writing in this genre.
     • Process insights, including challenges and how you overcame them.

Restrictions on AI Use

• Use of generative AI tools (e.g., CoPilot, ChatGPT) is not permitted.
• Submit evidence of Writing Center consultations to support your process.

Grading Criteria

• Quality of analysis and creativity in exploring music in film (40%).
• Effective use of the writing process (30%).
• Integration of feedback and revisions (20%).
• Adherence to guidelines limiting AI use (10%).

Resources

• Music in film feature scaffolded assignment.
• Writing Center consultations for outline and revisions.