Final Essay Exam

Final Essay Exam

English 101-103

Liberal Arts Cluster

Reason, Passion, Justice, Revenge

Fall 2013

Dr. Van Slyck

Choose one of the following topics based on films we have screened in relation to our course themes and write a 600 word essay a) responding to the question and b) inserting at least one example of research related to the topic that you have found in the last month.  Correct citations for the films are listed after the questions.

1.     The film, Far From Heaven, explores homophobia in the 1950’s and the emotional pain this attitude causes for both homosexuals and their families.  The film also shows how the medical establishment handled homosexuality in this era.  Briefly summarize the situation in the film.  Then describe the ways the main characters deal with their feelings.  For your research, investigate and share information about “conversion therapy.”  In your conclusion bring us up to date on this issue and make your own policy recommendations.

2.     Far from Heaven introduces us to the dangers of an interracial relationship in the 1950’s.  Briefly describe that part of the film and analyze how members of the community in the film reinforce prejudice against these relationships.  For your research find information about laws against interracial relationships at that time in the U.S. For your conclusion, share your own ideas about how interracial relationships have changed since the 1950’s, whether you think acceptance has increased and if there are still problems.

3.     In the film, Milk, we watch a courageous man gradually become a political activist in order to gain rights for homosexuals in his district in San Francisco, the Castro.  Briefly describe the social, political and personal problems Harvey Milk, the first openly gay politician in the U. S., confronts in his struggle and the way his opposition tries to fight him.  Is it now safe for gays to openly declare their identities and hold public office?  For your research compare Milk to one other contemporary politician who is openly gay and contrast the acceptance (or lack thereof) between Milk’s time (1970’s) and today.

4.     In And the Band Played On we learn about the prejudice, indifference and corruption that caused lives to be lost during the struggle to identify and find a test for the AIDs virus.  Briefly describe the attitudes of the political establishment, the blood banks, some AIDs carriers, some gay men frequenting the San Francisco bath houses, and even one scientist portrayed in the film.  For your research choose one of the above and enlighten us a little about details that are not in the film.  For example, why were the blood banks so slow to respond?  Or why were gay men in San Francisco so suspicious of those who wanted to close the bath houses?  In your conclusion explain what the film show us about the need for trust, commitment, collaboration and ethical behavior when it comes to a pandemic that threatens a community or a nation.

5.     The film, Maria Full of Grace, raises ethical questions about poverty and freedom.  Briefly describe the situation of the film and then argue whether or not you agree with Maria’s decision to become a drug mule. You may also discuss the consequences for some of those around her and the role of the attorney in the film. For your research you may look at the book chapter in Jackson Heights Chronicles that tells Maria’s story; you may also research the issue of Colombian women becoming drug mules.  You may also refer to philosophers who discuss conditions enabling (or impeding) free choice. For your conclusion, discuss who are the ethical and unethical individuals in the film, and explain why (choose two—one for each side).

Film Citations:

Far From Heaven. Dir. Todd Haynes.  Focus Features. 2002.

Milk. Dir. Gus Van Sant. Focus Features. 2008

And the Band Played On. Dir. Roger Spottiswoode. HBO Films. 1993.

Maria Full of Grace. Dir. Joshua Marston. HBO Films. 2004.