Department of Earth Science          Northeastern Illinois University

GEOLOGY, RESOURCES, & ENVIRONMENT                                             J. Hemzacek homepage 
ESCI 123    return to course homepage                                                         questions?  send me an email

EXTRA CREDIT OPTION:   Criteria and Approved Films

As explained on the syllabus and in class, there is a standing opportunity for extra credit in this class, which can amount to approximately 4 % of the total points for the course (enough to boost you to the next letter grade if you are close to the grade  cut-off, but not enough to replace other required elements of the course!).
One part of the extra credit opportunity is a MOVIE REVIEW.  The deadline for this option is 19 June - no reviews will be accepted after that date.... no exceptions.

If you are interested in this extra credit option, pay close attention to the criteria: reviews received that do not meet the stated criteria will earn no credit  (*see exception below).

Each student may complete and turn in only one review, for a possible maximum value of 10 points.

* Note that if your review is received at least one week prior to the final due date (i.e., by 12 June), in the event that your review does not earn full credit, you will be allowed a re-write opportunity to improve your score-- providing that your original submission meets the following basic criteria:   (a) it was done for an approved film, and (b) the basic format requirements are met (i.e., typed, 2 paragraphs, etc., and includes resource list).

 

Extra credit option: Summertime at the Movies: Rent a Video! Become a Critic!

You probably hope to see a movie or two this summer, right? Turn movie night into extra credit!  Simply follow these steps:

  1. choose a film that has some geological content**
  2. watch the movie, making notes on geological aspects (as a guideline, "geological aspects" include topics covered by your text and/or listed on the course syllabus).
  3. turn in a two-paragraph summary that meets the following criteria:
  • the first paragraph will summarize, in your own words, the geological significance/ features/ event(s) and/or subplots observed in the film.  Be specific, and provide details from the film.
  • in a second paragraph, briefly discuss the human impacts of any geological events/ features/ issues. Your comments will depend on the film, but some examples might include:
    – for a fictional film: how believable/ realistic are the geologic aspects; how do the geologic effects in the film compare to real expectations for such an event or situation (use your text as a resource!);
    – for a documentary or ‘docu-drama’: what significant message(s) about environmental issues should we take from the film? what aspects of this issue were brought to your attention by the film?
  • At the bottom of the page, list all resources used: the film, plus any other references.
  • The entire review should follow homework guidelines (above): typed with proper heading, and not more than one page total length.
  • final due date for any/all extra credit is 19 June. No extensions; no late extra credit accepted under any circumstances.
  • you may turn in only one movie review*; it is worth a possible total of 20 points.  The rubric by which your review will be evaluated is available here;
     use this rubric as your guide and your checklist as you write your review.
    * if your review does not receive full credit, but was turned in by 12 June, you will be given an opportunity for a re-write, to be turned in by the final due date.
    •

    ** the film should have geological significance, interesting geological features on location, or a geological topic or subplot.  "Pre-approved" films for credit are listed here; if you are interested in some other film, first get approval for the film from your instructor.
    **Approved films for credit are listed below; obtain pre-approval from the instructor for any film not on this list, before starting your review.

    You will find "official" movie pages, fan pages, and  reviews on the web: these will often tell exactly where a particular movie was filmed, or provide more information about different aspects of the film.  Of course you may refer to these resources, but be sure that you (1) appropriately cite these sources, and
    (2) do not copy any part of someone else’s review.  Your review must be in your own words.  Extended direct quotes are not acceptable, even if cited.  Your instructor will be able to identify plagiarized work: it will earn zero points, and you will not  be given a second chance to submit extra credit for consideration.

     

      APPROVED FILMS FOR EXTRA CREDIT

    The following films (released in the year indicated) are "pre-approved" for extra credit in ESCI 123. 
    If you are interested in reviewing a film that is not listed here, you must first get the instructor's approval. 

    All films listed below should be available on DVD and/or VHS at many video-rental stores, or even at your local library (if your neighborhood--like mine-- has a small library collection, check inter-library loan options).  I have included links to movie descriptions.

    Last updated  May 2013
    (c) 2013     J Hemzacek