Breaking Taboos and Seeking Justice: Exploring Social Justice Elements in Arabic Literature and Film

Final Paper Assignment: Social Justice Elements in Arabic literature and Film
Word Count: minimum 2000 words / maximum 3000 words
Objective:
This assignment seeks to explore the intersection of breaking social, cultural, and political taboos with social justice elements in Arabic cinema. By critically analyzing a selection of films potentially comparing them with American cinema. You may refer to modern Arabic literature as well.
Instructions:
1. Film Selection:Choose a minimum of five Arabic Egyptian films ( you can study the films discussed in class and/or your oral presentation) that confront social, cultural, or political taboos while incorporating themes of social justice. Films should represent diverse perspectives and genres, including but not limited to drama, comedy, or documentary.
2. Literature Review: Conduct thorough literature review encompassing scholarly articles, books, and other academic sources that explore the intersections of social justice, taboo-breaking, and cinema in the Arab world. Additionally, you may consider sources discussing similar themes in American cinema for comparative analysis. You may discuss the same themes in Arabic literature.
3. Film and Literature Analysis: Analyze each selected film, examining how they address social justice issues and challenge societal norms and taboos. Consider the following aspects:
– Representation of marginalized communities and their struggles.
– Exploration of taboo topics such as gender roles, sexuality, religion, and politics.
– Narrative techniques and cinematic strategies employed to challenge norms and provoke critical reflection.
– Comparison with similar themes and motifs in Arabic literature and American cinema.
Resources:
– Academic journals: JSTOR, Project MUSE, Film Quarterly, Screen, etc.
– Books: “Arab Cinema: History and Cultural Identity” by Viola Shafik, “Cinema of the Arab World: Contemporary Directions in Theory and Practice” edited by Terri Ginsberg and Chris Lippard, etc.
– Online databases: IMDb, Arab Film Institute, Arab Cinema Center, etc.
– You may use some resources from the blackboard
Writing Format:
– Font: Times New Roman, 12-point.
– Formatting: Double-spaced, 1-inch margins.
– Structure: Include an introduction, sections for film and literature analysis, thematic synthesis, comparative analysis, conclusion, and reflection.
– Citation Style: Use a consistent citation MLA style in-text citations and a bibliography or works cited page.
**Submission Guidelines:**
– Submit your final paper electronically through the designated platform by the specified deadline.
– Ensure proper formatting, citation, and adherence to academic integrity guidelines.
Grading Criteria:
– Depth of analysis and critical thinking.
– Clarity of argumentation and organization.
– Integration of scholarly sources and evidence.
– Comparative insights and reflections.