Assignment Description: One of the crucial commitments within International Studies is to utilize alternative texts. Documentaries are particularly valuable as alternative texts for three reasons:

(1) the audio-visual dimension allows viewers to more deeply engage with the sights, sounds, landscapes, and emotions (etc.) that surround a global issue. Simply put, readings alone cannot provide such a comprehensive sensory experience.

(2) documentaries are able to foreground the human struggles and social impacts generated by global issues. As they often focus on specific individuals, families, and/or communities, documentaries are able to offer 'grassroots' perspectives on transnational forces.

(3) unlike textbook chapters, documentaries normally take an explicit position on the issue they are investigating. In other words, documentaries rarely strive to be 'objective' in the traditional sense, but rather aim to persuade the viewer in a particular direction. As such, documentaries provide an opportunity for the viewer to deconstruct the accuracy and persuasiveness of the message being offered.

Instructions: To complete this assignment, you must first choose one of the documentaries below as your focus. Upon watching the documentary, you will need to provide responses to the questions below (pg. 2). Be sure to address all aspects of the question while generously citing specific examples and/or details from the documentary.

REF: video: Once Upon a Time in Iraq

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/once-upon-a-time-in-iraq/

(1) This question has two parts. First, outline the primary theme/argument that was being advanced in the documentary. Second, identify the sub-themes/arguments that were developed as a way to explain or demonstrate the importance of the primary theme/argument. By 'critical' we mean that the film either argues for changing some aspect of the current system, oris trying to expose particular abuses that occur within it. How did such a critical perspective take shape in the documentary you watched?

(3) Please discuss a few of the specific filmmaking techniques that were used to build a case, present evidence, and/or convince the viewer of the position being advanced. These 'techniques' could include - but are not limited to - the use of narrative arcs, personal stories, interviewing styles, unique configurations of sounds and images, and the utilization of expert opinion.

(1) identify at least two such techniques and describe how they were deployed

(2) discuss whether or not the techniques were successful in generating the intended effects in the viewer (i.e. did they convince you?). This answer should be at least 500 words.

(4) Overall, did you find this documentary useful for learning about the issue/problem at hand? Assuming the role of a professor, would you include it among the texts for an International Studies course? Why or why not?

(1) Analysis & Interpretation: 8 points

(2) Incorporation of Empirical Details & Examples: 8 points

(3) All other Assignment Requirements Fulfilled: 4 points

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

Primary ThemeArgument The primary themeargument advanced in the documentary Once Upon a Time in Iraq revolves around the complexities consequences and human experiences of the Iraq War particularly fr... View the full answer