How has the importance of        reading changed from earlier eras (pre-digital/audio/visual media) to        our present day? Do you think we read differently now than we did in   prior generations? 

 

Your initial discussion thread is due on Day 3 (Thursday) and you have until Day 7 (Monday) to respond to your classmates. Your grade will reflect both the quality of your initial post and the depth of your responses. Reference the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for guidance on how your discussion will be evaluated.
 

Why   Read Literature?

 

Description: Prepare Icon

Prepare: Prior to writing your initial post, read Chapters 1   through 3 of Journey into Literature.

 

Description: Reflect Icon

Reflect: Chapter 1 of our text provides a number of reasons why   people choose to explore literature. Clugston (2014) writes that there is “a   powerful curiosity about human relationships and how to cope in the world in   which we find ourselves” (Section 1.1, para. 2). The text gives a number of   general motivations for reading, but it is helpful to put those motivations into   context. Consider what your motivations are for reading.

 

Description: Write Icon

Write: Your initial post should be at least 200 words in length,   not including references. In your post, answer the following questions:

  • What does literature offer an        individual?
  • How has the importance of        reading changed from earlier eras (pre-digital/audio/visual media) to        our present day? Do you think we read differently now than we did in        prior generations?
  • Do you think Clugston’s quote        is valid? How have perceptions regarding the value of literature        changed, if at all?
  • What causes people’s        perceptions regarding the value of literature to change?
  • Incorporate readings found in        Chapters 1 through 3 to help illustrate the points you make.

 

Description: Discuss Icon

Respond to Peers: Respond to at least two of your classmates’ initial posts.   Each response should be at least 75 words in length and address two or more   of the following points:

  • Do you agree with your        classmates’ perspectives? Why, or why not? Be specific.
  • Ask a specific question to        encourage further discussion on the topic.
  • Challenge your classmates’        interpretation of literature and/or point of view.
  • Do a small amount of research        and share what you learn with your peers about the topic discussed in        this post.

What elements of the cash flow statement do you think are most important for company management to monitor and why

Cash   Flows Information

What information does the cash flow statement provide that you cannot see in the other financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, owner’s equity)? What elements of the cash flow statement do you think are most important for company management to monitor and why? Is this different for investors?

Guided Response:
Review your peers’ posts. Respond to at least two of classmates, letting them know whether you agree with the use of the cash flow statement and why. Additionally, share elements of the cash flow statement that you see as being the greatest interest to investors (as opposed to internal management) and why.

Carefully review the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate this Discussion Thread.

 

Description: http://threadcontent.next.ecollege.com/Images/addnew.gifRespond

Identify at least three techniques (cinematography,      lighting, acting style, or direction) and/or design elements (set design,      costuming, or hair and makeup), and explain how these techniques and/or      design elements contribute to the establishment of the theme

 

Ashford 4: – Week 3 – Assignment

 

Establishing Theme

Select a movie from AFI’s 10 Top 10 lists and explain how three cinematic techniques and/or design elements have helped establish a major theme in that film. Note: While you are allowed to choose a film that does not come from the AFI lists, you are strongly encouraged to email your professor to receive approval before doing so.
In 800 to 1200 words

  • Describe a major theme of the movie you have selected      using evidence from the movie itself as well as course resources and other      scholarly sources to support your position.
  • Identify at least three techniques (cinematography,      lighting, acting style, or direction) and/or design elements (set design,      costuming, or hair and makeup), and explain how these techniques and/or      design elements contribute to the establishment of the theme. Reference      particular scenes or sequences in your explanations.
  • State your opinion regarding the mise en scène,      including
    • How the elements work together.
    • How congruent the design elements are with the theme       of the movie.
    • Whether or not other techniques would be as effective       (Explain your reasoning).

Note: Remember that a theme is an overarching idea that recurs throughout the plot of a film. It is the distilled essence of what the film is about, the main design which the specific scenes and actions lead a viewer to understand.
Your paper should be organized around a thesis statement that focuses on how the elements of your chosen feature-length film both establish and maintain one of its major themes.
The paper must be 800 to 1200 words in length and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
You must use at least two scholarly sources other than the textbook to support your claims. Refer to the ENG225 Research Guide in the Ashford University Library for guidance and to locate your sources. Cite your sources (including the feature-length film) within the text of your paper and on the reference page. For information regarding APA, including samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford Writing Center.
Please note that if you opt to write about the same film in your Final Film Critique, applicable pieces of this assignment can be used to write that assignment. Please also note that you should reflect on and revise this assignment based on the instructor’s feedback before you incorporate it into the Final Film Critique.
Before submitting your assignment, we encourage you to visit the Ashford Writing Center for feedback.
The Ashford Writing Center (AWC) has two kinds of tutoring available to you.

  • Live Chat – If you have writing-related questions about a topic      before you draft a discussion post or submit a written assignment, you      will now be able to chat live with a tutor for a short (up to 20 minute)      conversation. Live Chat will be available Monday through Friday from      10:00-11:00 am and 4:00-5:00 pm (PST). AWC Live Chat
  • Email Paper Review – If you have a draft, partial draft, or even if      you’re having trouble getting started, you can complete a submission form      and email your paper to the AWC for review.
    • Writing tutors will do their best to return your paper       with their comments within 48 hours, not including Saturdays and Sundays.       Please plan accordingly if you would like to receive feedback before an       assignment due date. AWC Email Paper Review

Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.

Why is a good understanding of the various ratios used by accountants and managers important to the controlling function?

 

Your initial discussion thread is due on Day 3 (Thursday) and you have until Day 7 (Monday) to respond to your classmates. Your grade will reflect both the quality of your initial post and the depth of your responses. Reference the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for guidance on how your discussion will be evaluated.

 

Steps   of Control

Explain why the four steps involved in the controlling function are important. Why is a good understanding of the various ratios used by accountants and managers important to the controlling function? Give specific examples. Respond substantively to two other learners.
Guided Response:
Your initial post should be at least 200 words in length. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond substantively to at least two of your classmates’ posts.

How are you able to use film theory and criticism to      find and interpret meaning in movies?

Final Film Critique

Throughout this course, you have been compiling a blog and writing essays that analyze various elements of film such as theme, cinematic techniques, and genre. It is now time to combine those elements into a comprehensive analysis of one movie.
You will be completing this assignment in two stages. For the first stage (1500 to 1800 words), you will analyze an entire movie. In the second stage (300 to 600 words), you will reflect on how you analyzed the movie as well as how your ability to analyze film in general has evolved.
You are encouraged to incorporate writing from your Week Two and Week Three assignments if (a) you have reflected on the instructor’s feedback, (b) you have revised the relevant parts of the essays accordingly, and (c) the essays discuss the same film that you discuss here.
Stage 1: Analysis
For this stage, you will be analyzing a movie selected from the AFI’s 10 Top 10 list. The film you choose can be one that you have previously analyzed in this course. While you are allowed to choose a film that does not come from the AFI lists, you are strongly encouraged to email your professor to receive approval before doing so.
The analysis portion of your paper should be 1500 to 1800 words in length. You should analyze the film through the lens of one of the broad theories you have learned about in class (auteur theory, genre theory, formalist theory). Your analysis must address four main areas (contextual information, story/plot, aesthetic choices, and social/personal impact) and how these areas work together to develop the theme of the movie. As you construct your analysis, assume that your reader is not familiar with this film. Use your analysis to explain to your reader why they should watch this film.
In addition to the film you are analyzing, you must use three scholarly sources to support your arguments. Refer to the ENG225 Research Guide in the Ashford University Library for guidance and to locate your sources. Cite your sources (including the feature-length film) within the text of your paper and on the reference page. Cite your sources according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Your analysis must address the following components (noted in bold below):

  • Contextual Information – In this area, you will provide some of the basic      identifying information of the film. This includes:
    • Title
    • Director, cinematographer, major actors/actresses. Be       sure to describe their roles in the overall design process.
    • Year of release
    • Type of film (blockbuster, indie, documentary, etc.)
    • Genre
  • Story/Plot – In this area, you should offer a brief summary of      the film, and then show how it was deployed in the narrative structure of      the film. Explain the difference between the film’s story and its plot.      This area can be addressed as a separate paragraph, or can be threaded      throughout your analysis of the film.
  • Aesthetic Choices – In this area, you will assess the efficacy of      specific techniques and design elements employed in the film as they apply      to the overarching narrative and theme of the film. These elements      include:
    • Mise en scène (e.g., lighting, sound, composition of       frame, costuming, etc.)
    • Editing (e.g., cuts and transitions, shots used,       angles, etc.)
    • Technology (i.e., analyze the impact of any notable       technological effects: film stock, targeted release venue, special       effects, etc.)
  • Social/Personal Impact – In this area, you will critically address the      following questions:
    • What impact did this film have on society (i.e.,       politically or culturally, positive or negative)? The impact can be as       major as inspiring political or social changes or as minor as inspiring       the production of toys or lunchboxes.
    • How did society affect this film (i.e., what currents       in society led to the creation of the film)?
    • If you are unable to find any information about the       social impact of the film, explain the personal impact it has had on you.

Note: Not every bullet point under the four listed components will necessarily apply to your movie. However, you will still need to discuss each of the four main components thoroughly, which means that you may need to explain a concept even if it can’t be directly applied to your movie.
Your paper should be organized around a thesis statement that clarifies what you will attempt to accomplish in your paper, and how you will proceed. Additionally, you must conclude with a restatement of the thesis and a conclusion paragraph.
Stage 2: Reflection
After completing your movie analysis, you will reflect on the analysis process and how you have learned to more thoroughly analyze film as well as how rigorous study of film enhances your development as a student and thinker. In this 300- to 600-word reflection, review your initial post from the “Post Your Introduction” discussion in Week One, and consider how your ability to analyze movies has changed or grown. Append your reflection to the analysis portion of your paper and submit as one document. Your reflection should be personal and exploratory in nature.
Address the following questions in your reflection:

  • What can be gained through analyzing film?
  • How has this changed the way you view movies?
  • How are you able to use film theory and criticism to      find and interpret meaning in movies?
  • In what ways has this course changed your understanding      of how movies are related to society?
  • What skills have you developed during this course, and      how might those skills be applied to your major, profession, and/or life?

Writing the Final Film Critique

  • Must be one document that is1800 to 2400 words in      length, comprised of a 1500- to 1800-word film analysis and a 300- to      600-word reflection.
  • Must include a separate title and reference page, and      be formatted according to APA style as outlined in Ashford Writing Center.
  • Must include a title page with the following:
    • Title of paper
    • Student’s name
    • Course name and number
    • Instructor’s name
    • Date submitted
  • Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a      succinct thesis statement.
  • Must address the topic of the paper with critical      thought.
  • Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
  • Must use at least three scholarly sources (reviews,      articles, or book chapters) other than the textbook to support your      points. Refer to the ENG225 Research Guide      for guidance.
  • Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in      the Ashford Writing Center.
  • Must include a separate reference page that is      formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing      Center.

Before submitting your assignment, we encourage you to visit the Ashford Writing Center for feedback.
The Ashford Writing Center (AWC) has two kinds of tutoring available to you.

  • Live Chat – If you have writing-related questions about a topic      before you draft a discussion post or submit a written assignment, you      will now be able to chat live with a tutor for a short (up to 20 minute)      conversation. Live Chat will be available Monday through Friday from      10:00-11:00 am and 4:00-5:00 pm (PST). AWC Live Chat
  • Email Paper Review – If you have a draft, partial draft, or even if      you’re having trouble getting started, you can complete a submission form      and email your paper to the AWC for review.
    • Writing tutors will do their best to return your paper       with their comments within 48 hours, not including Saturdays and Sundays.       Please plan accordingly if you would like to receive feedback before an       assignment due date. AWC Email Paper Review

Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.

 How to Ask an   Open-Ended Question

Your initial discussion thread is due on Day 3 (Thursday) and you have until Day 7 (Monday) to respond to your classmates. Your grade will reflect both the quality of your initial post and the depth of your responses. Reference the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for guidance on how your discussion will be evaluated.
 

Forming   Questions Based on Critical Reading

 

Description: Prepare Icon

Prepare: Prior to beginning your initial post, read the handout, How to Ask an   Open-Ended Question. In addition, review your initial   response to the Clugston (2014) quote from Week One: “There’s a powerful   curiosity about human relationships and how to cope in the world in which we   find ourselves.” (Section 1.1, para. 2).

 

Description: Reflect Icon

Reflect: In this discussion, you will reflect on what you learned   in the course by practicing the skill of asking an open ended academic   question. This exercise will allow you to engage in a discussion you create   with your peers. It also helps you to ask your own questions about   literature, which can serve as a gateway to initiating critical analysis.   Think of an open-ended question about literature that you would like to ask   in order to challenge your classmates to reflect more deeply. Also, reflect   on your initial response to the Clugston quote.  How have your feelings   about literature changed or remained the same?

 

Description: Write Icon

Write: Your initial post should be at least 200 words in length.   The minimum word count does not include references.

  • Construct an open-ended        question (see How to Ask an        Open-Ended Question handout)        to ask your peers about the literature you read in the class. Avoid        asking closed-end questions that require a “yes” or “no” answer. The        question should not be overly broad or too general, but focus on        specific literary conflicts, techniques, or themes.
  • Share what you learned by        reading your peers’ posts throughout the class.
  • Discuss your initial response        to the Clugston (2014) quote from Week One. Based on what you learned        about literature, what has changed? How will these changes impact your        perspective on literature?

 

Description: Discuss Icon

Respond to Peers: Respond to at least two of your classmates’ initial posts   by Day 7. Each response should be at least 75 words in length and you should   attempt to answer the questions posed by your classmates. Additionally,   reflect on how you and your classmates have progressed throughout the course.   Also note similarities or differences you see between how you and your   classmates respond to the Clugston quote now versus at the beginning of the   course.

Identify a film and classify it according to its genre (or sub-genre). Include a link(s) to a trailer or scene(s) from the film.

Genre   Theory

Genre, a category of artistic production characterized by similarities in composition and style, is a term used to discuss literature, music, art, and film. It is particularly useful in critical applications because it distinguishes a work within a context of similar works. In film, we are familiar with certain broad genre categories such as horror, science-fiction, romance, and drama.
Understanding genre helps provide the viewer with certain expectations about film. For instance, the film The Conjuring trailer (Version 2) is of the horror genre and thus can be discussed in context with other horror films. More specifically, it is of the sub-genre, supernatural horror, so it can be discussed in context with, say, The Exorcist trailer. Making this distinction enables the audience to situate their reaction within a particular framework.
Such framework is important to our work here. In this discussion

  • Identify a film and classify it according to its genre      (or sub-genre). Include a link(s) to a trailer or scene(s) from the film.
  • Discuss the conventions that are typical in films of      that genre (or sub-genre).
  • Explain how this specific film meets the expectations      of its genre.

Include the name or partial name of the film you identified in the “Subject” line of your discussion. Your initial post should be at least 150 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. By Day 7, respond to at least two classmates who chose a different film than you did (though it is acceptable to respond to a classmate who chose the same genre). In your responses, reference your initial post and show how your ideas relate to those of your peers. Each response should be at least 125 words in length.

 

Description: http://threadcontent.next.ecollege.com/Images/addnew.gifRespond

This section lists options that can be used to view responses.

Give an example of how the values and mission statement      help to shape planning.

 

Ashford 2: – Week 1 – Discussion 2

 

Your initial discussion thread is due on Day 3 (Thursday) and you have until Day 7 (Monday) to respond to your classmates. Your grade will reflect both the quality of your initial post and the depth of your responses. Reference the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for guidance on how your discussion will be evaluated.

 

Company   Evaluation

Select one of the companies below and conduct some basic research.

  • British Petroleum (BP)
  • Facebook
  • Hyundai
  • Dunkin’ Donuts
  • Netflix
  1. State what you believe is the distinctive competence      and core competence of your selected company.
  2. Give an example of how the values and mission statement      help to shape planning.  Also give some internal and external factors      that may influence the business in the future and explain how they will      influence the business.  Respond substantively to two other learners
  3. Complete a SWOT Analysis for your selected      organization; applying each of the categories in evaluating the company.
    Complete a SWOT Analysis for your selected organization; applying each of the categories in evaluating the company

Guided Response:
Your initial post should be at least 200 words in length. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond substantively to at least two of your classmates’ posts.

 

Description: http://threadcontent.next.ecollege.com/Images/addnew.gifRespond

The main problem with performance appraisal programs is supervisory bias when making judgments. How can a company attempt to identify and reduce appraisal bias

 

Ashford 4: – Week 3 – Discussion 2

 

Your initial discussion thread is due on Day 3 (Thursday) and you have until Day 7 (Monday) to respond to your classmates. Your grade will reflect both the quality of your initial post and the depth of your responses. Reference the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for guidance on how your discussion will be evaluated.

 

Bias   in Performance Appraisal

The main problem with performance appraisal programs is supervisory bias when making judgments. How can a company attempt to identify and reduce appraisal bias? Respond substantively to two other learners.
Guided Response:
Your initial post should be at least 200 words in length. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond substantively to at least two of your classmates’ posts.

Access the web sites of Ron Jon Surf Shop  (http://www.ronjonsurfshop.com/) and Hilo Hattie (http://www.hilohattie.com/aloha/). Explain how the two companies are similar and how they are different.

Ashford 2: – Week 1 – Discussion 1

 

Your initial discussion thread is due on Day 3 (Thursday) and you have until Day 7 (Monday) to respond to your classmates. Your grade will reflect both the quality of your initial post and the depth of your responses. Reference the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for guidance on how your discussion will be evaluated.

 

Surf   Shop Comparison

Access the web sites of Ron Jon Surf Shop  (http://www.ronjonsurfshop.com/) and Hilo Hattie (http://www.hilohattie.com/aloha/). Explain how the two companies are similar and how they are different. Can you find elements of organizational planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and control in their web content? Provide specific examples. Respond substantively to two other learners.
Guided Response:
Your initial post should be at least 200 words in length. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond substantively to at least two of your classmates’ posts.