12 Aug In this assignment you will apply theories from two different sociological theorists discussed in this course to the movie, The Matrix.
n this assignment you will apply theories from two different sociological theorists discussed in this course to the movie, The Matrix. The purpose of this assignment is recognize and apply sociological theory to representations of social reality in popular media. We will view The Matrix (1999) online during Week 13 of class. The Matrix is available to view on HBO Max (Links to an external site.) with a subsсrіption and available for purchase and rent on Amazon Prime (Links to an external site.), YouTube (Links to an external site.), Google Play (Links to an external site.), Vudu (Links to an external site.), and iTunes (Links to an external site.) and other online streaming services. A full text transсrіpt of this film is available by hyperlink in the Lesson 13 learning module. Many of the theories reviewed in this course are relevant to The Matrix; and all theorists would have something to say. Theories/concepts can be applied to a particular event, action, scene, theme, dialogue, or interaction in the movie. This application can take the form of analyzing, interpreting, explaining, demonstrating or otherwise relating these theories/concepts to the movie. Below is a list of some theories I find applicable to aspects of The Matrix. You are also welcome to discuss other theories as you see fit. Note that most theories are not an exact fit for aspects of the movie. For instance, false consciousness, as postulated by Marx, refers to how people are not aware of their class position. In The Matrix, people may very well have false consciousness about their economic class position as defined by Marx; however, this concept is more applicable to how people are unaware of their subject position in the matrix. The application of this concept would require a brief discussion of false consciousness with regard to being in the matrix, as opposed to being of the Proletariat class. This assignment will require you to think more deeply about the finer points of theories and concepts, how they can be used as metaphors or analogies, and how they may require substitution, stretching, or otherwise fall short or overextend in explaining some aspect of the movie. The first step in this assignment is to review theories from class so that you know what to look for in the movie. That is, (re)familiarize yourself with some of the theories, different theories than those that you discuss in your reading reviews, and have notes about these theories with you as you watch this movie. Then, take notes on instances where the theories/concepts seem to fit while viewing the movie. Depth, rather than breadth, is important in this essay. Ensure that you focus on a specific aspect of the movie to analyze (and include examples if focusing on a broader theme, action sequence, etc. in the movie). You may apply up to three theories/related concepts as long as they are adequately summarized and applied, in detail and depth. At least 2/3-3/4 of your paper should be focused primarily on discussing and actively applying theories from class. Papers should be 5-7 pages in length and include: Introduction: 1-2 paragraphs that identify the theories applied and broadly summarize how they are applicable to the film. It is always helpful to write your introduction last (so that you know what you are introducing the reader to). Describe/Summarize the Theories: One page (per theorist) outlining the key parts of each applicable theory/concept (2 pages total). Remember that you are expected to draft and submit the discussion of applicable theories component of this essay during Lesson 14, and to revise your discussion of theories in line with instructor feedback for inclusion in this Application Essay. Application: About 1.5-2 pages applying each theory to specific instances or general themes in the film (3-4 pages total). Include a discussion of how theories may have been stretched to fit, or how theories fit in some ways and not others. Conclusion: 1-2 paragraphs conclusion that summarizes the application of these theories/concepts to the film and how they were made to fit. All resources should be adequately cited both in-text and in a References/Bibliography section using a standard style of citation (e.g., ASA, APA, or MLA). There are citation style resources linked in our Canvas course site. Here is an ASA citation for the movie: Wachowski, Andy and Larry Wachowski. 1999. The Matrix. [DVD] Burbank, CA: Warner Bros. Pictures. INCLUDE SOURCES AND ALL THE REQUIREMENTS PLEASE.
