Capstone Papers-Film Analysis Assignment of gerontology.
- Identify a major gerontological perspective/lens (i.e., life span development and/or life course perspective, biopsychosocial approach, environmental gerontology) that best helps you understand the film from a gerontological point of view. Briefly explain the perspective/lens and why/how this perspective/lens helps you “make sense” of the film. (9 points)
- In general, how are older adult(s) portrayed in the film (e.g., is the film ageist; in what way(s) are the characters stereotypical; to what extent does the film capture the diversity of the aging experience (think about different ways of measuring aging) within the same character and across different characters; are the older characters accurately portrayed)? (16 points)
- Select one of the older characters in the film and discuss her/his life course trajectory. Specifically, as appropriate in the context of the film, discuss: a) the relevant age-graded, history graded, and non-normative events that comprise the character’s trajectory; b) the relevance of the timing of these key events; c) the impact of social role expectations and changes; d) how the character’s life course trajectory is influenced by the historical period and/or culture in which the film is set; and e) indicate how the character’s life course trajectory influences that of another major character. (20 points)
- Discuss whether you consider this to be a good film from the perspective of someone who is informed about aging in terms of: a) what the film “got right” gerontologically; b) how the film could have done a better job gerontologically; c) whether you would recommend the film to a general audience; and d) whether you would recommend the film to an older adult audience. (16 points)
- The above components are worth a total of 61 possible points. The remaining 12 points will be based on mechanics: a) the extent to which you followed the assignment guidelines and b) the quality of your writing.
