Applying Theoretical Frameworks to Films
Week 2 Assignment
PURPOSE: The purpose of this assignment is to have you further practice applying the theoretical frameworks. Specifically, you will watch a popular film/movie and then apply the frameworks to explain the behavior or development of a main character or group of people.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Before completing this assignment you should:
ï‚· Read the lesson plan for the week. In the lesson plan the four theoretical frameworks are defined in detail. You will not be able to complete this assignment unless you have read about and understand the theoretical frameworks.
ï‚· Participate in the Weekly Discussion Forum concerning the theoretical frameworks. This weeks’ Discussion Forum topic entails using the theoretical frameworks to attempt to explain the behavior of Elliot Rodger, the young man who killed 6 people and injured 13 more near UCSB on May 23, 2014. It is on the Weekly Discussion Forum that we will practice together applying the frameworks to this tragedy. Posting and responding on the Discussion Forum prior to doing this assignment is very important as it will give you the skills to successfully apply the theoretical frameworks on your own.

Once you have read about the theoretical frameworks in the lesson plan and participated in the Weekly Discussion Forum where we work together to apply the frameworks, you are ready to do this assignment. There are three steps:
1. Choose a film/movie to watch that details the development of a single main character or group of people. Below are movies that have been approved for this assignment. If you want to use a different movie/film for this assignment, you can, but you will need to get the instructor’s permission. Email Dr. Manke directly to get approval for other movies ([email protected]).
2. As you watch the film you should take notes on the behavior/development of the main character or group of people. Many of the characters in the approved movies are met with challenges as they seek to better their lives. In addition, you will want to think about HOW you would use each of the four main theoretical frameworks to explain the development of the main character or group of people. That is, for example, you will want to be able to describe, citing specific examples from the film, how you would explain the development of the main character using the Environment Learning Framework. Which proximal environments (e.g., parents, peers, neighborhood influences, teachers, coaches, gang members, etc.) shaped the main character?

Be sure to think about each of the four theoretical frameworks in relation to the film as you will be asked to write about all four of the frameworks in your assignment.
3. Write a 2-page typed paper (single spaced) where you apply all four theoretical frameworks to the film. Your paper should have 5 sections:
ï‚· Section 1: Indicate which film you watched and then describe the main character’s (or group of people’s) development or behavior.
ï‚· Section 2: Use the Biological Maturation framework to explain the character’s development or behavior. Be sure to include specific details from the movie in your response.
ï‚· Section 3: Use the Environment Learning framework to explain the character’s development or behavior. Be sure to include specific details from the movie in your response.
ï‚· Section 4: Use the Constructivist framework to explain the character’s development or behavior. Be sure to include specific details from the movie in your response.
ï‚· Section 5: Use the Cultural Context framework to explain the character’s development or behavior. Be sure to include specific details from the movie in your response.
DUE DATE: This assignment is due no later than Sunday June 8, 2014, 11:59 PM (PST).
SUBMISSION PROCESS: To submit your assignment, please place it in the digital drop box on BeachBoard in the folder marked Week 2 Assignment: Applying Theoretical Frameworks to Films.
GRADING CRITERIA: This assignment is worth 25 points (5 points per section). Ability to use each theoretical framework to explain the development of the film’s main character (and use specific film details to support your answer) will determine points earned.
FEEDBACK: Students will receive feedback from the instructor via email within one week of the submission deadline.