Course: AMES40: Nomads from central Asia to the Middle East
Instructor: Prof. Ken Bauer
Multimedia Research Project Assignment
DESCRIPTION
The Multimedia Research Project is a film-based argument, with a hypothesis supported by
evidence. It integrates our in-class discussions and builds on close reading of articles and
lectures as well as the search for and analysis of multimedia sources on indigenous knowledge
and development. You will research any relevant topic of your choice and create a multimedia
project.
OBJECTIVES
The goal of this project is to increase the clarity of your rhetorical skills and flexibility using
images, words, film, audio, etc. The hope is that students will gain literacy in multiple media as
they sharpen their understanding of how arguments are constructed. As a result of this project,
you will:
• learn to do research with primary sources, including popular sources and peer-reviewed
scholarship;
• use multimedia resources to compose an argument, create effective transitions between
ideas, and develop your voice;
• add a set of multimedia skills to your toolkit for engaging the world beyond Dartmouth;
• consider critically your sources, assumptions, and ethics.
RESOURCES
You should also consult Jones Media Center tech specialists whenever necessary.
To schedule equipment, email: jones.media.center@dartmouth.edu
To schedule time with RWIT tutors, email students.dartmouth.edu/rwit/
Dartmouth has many additional resources to help you as you are building this research project –
please take advantage of these resources as well as office hours for consultations with the
instructor.
AUDIENCE
This project is pitched for an audience potentially larger and less specialized than the instructor
(though he will still end up grading it). Hopefully your research project will find a broader audience
and, potentially, engage with communities of scholars and net-izens across the globe. Keeping in
mind that this film will be publicly available, students are required to work consciously in achieving
clarity, straightforwardness, and concision in their arguments. Further, students will be expected
to create and communicate with respect using appropriate materials. Guidance on respectful use
of the Internet and media tools can be found at Dartmouth Information Technology Policy:
http://www.dartmouth.edu/comp/about/policies/general/itpolicy.html.
REQUIREMENTS
The research project is sequenced and will be completed in stages, described below.
1. You will meet with the instructor on April 25 or 26 to discuss your proposed
research project.
2. You will participate in one iMovie training session at Jones Media Center (April 22) in
which you’ll learn video-making techniques. You can also learn about iMovie at
www.apple.com/imovie. There are also numerous Internet tutorials available through
www.YouTube.com, etc. We will have work sessions at the Jones Media Center on 5/3, 5/10, 5/15, 5/22.
during class on {4 check in sessions}
3. You will submit a RESEARCH PROPOSAL on …
4. You will submit a TREATMENT PLAN for your research project, due …. will
provide a form that will help you complete the treatment plan. Treat this as a “pitch”.
5. You will participate in a library research session at the library on 5/1. You will
compile an annotated bibliography that includes at least 8 peer-reviewed journal
articles and two books in your bibliography, due 5/22. Your other sources can
include popular media, social media, video, etc. For each bibliographic item, write an
annotation explaining the resource and how it will support your thesis.
6. You will upload your film to the Jones Media Center by 9 am on May 30. Since film is
a public medium, we will screen our films in class at the end of the term, on May 31.
At the screenings, the filmmakers will not only to present their own films but also
assess their peers’ work.
7. To your professor, you will submit on a Final Reflection due June 2 on your
filmmaking experience. In this commentary, you will address the following:
a. Problems you encountered
b. Solutions you found
c. Resources you used
d. Thoughts about your process and product.
TECHNICAL GUIDELINES FOR MULTIMEDIA RESEARCH PROJECT
Students will use iMovie or similarly accessible software as an editing program for this
assignment. Editing stations and portable hard drives are available for use through coordination
with the Jones Media Center. The instructor will arrange to make DV tapes available from Jones
for the taping and storage of projects. Students will present their multimedia research project to
their peers at the end of the term.
Running Time: (including credits) 6 minutes, 4 minutes minimum
Images: Use any appropriate images from digital archives. You must credit all image sources at
the end of your film. You are encouraged to use your own photos if relevant.
Audio: Any kind (voiceover, song, music, sound effects). Remember the time limit when you
choose audio. You are encouraged to compose your own music. You must credit all audio
sources at the end of your film.
Video: 4 minutes maximum. Use video advisedly. It does not correlate with a better film or better
grade. Remember that editing footage takes much longer than acquiring it. Keep it simple and
appropriate.
Credit and Permissions: Cite all of the sources – quotes, images, videos, or audio recording –
that you use in the credits. Credit everything and everyone. For educational use (such as showing
to the class), you do not need to get written permission. But if you plan post your film on a web
site or screen it at a public (non-educational) event, YOU HAVE TO GET WRITTEN
PERMISSIONS TO USE OTHERS’ MATERIALS BEFOREHAND.
Final Submission: Save as a **Full Quality Quick-Time** file. Upload the project in the
“Multimodal Research Project” folder on the server space allotted to our class, which Jones
Media Center will provide.
ASSESSMENT
This project will be assessed based on quality of research, organization, content, narrative, video
and audio editing, graphics, and production quality, among other criteria. The detailed evaluation
rubric will be available to students via Blackboard.