Economics

Extra Credit Research Paper

OK, here is the chance to help that test or quiz grade (or grades) that has been melting your grade average for this quarter.  This is worth 1 to 5 percentage points towards any major test you have taken so far.  You have to see me to get approval for any paper before you begin.

The assignment is to write a summary and analysis of one of the films below.  The analysis should be a critical review of the effectiveness and accuracy of the film’s portrayal of a key economic issue (or issues).  The essay should demonstrate a clear understanding of and reflect on the film’s effectiveness at demonstrating the economic issue(s) contained therein.  It should not be just a summary of the film!!  It should be between 750 and 1000 words, and may include references to textbooks, magazines and articles (be sure to include a bibliography, using Chicago style citations, and you may use MLA for in-text citations).  The paper should be double spaced, using 12 point type.

Make sure you view the entire film before writing one word.  Do not use reviews from the internet or other sources.  Please submit your essays via email and please do not ask to review a non-listed film!!!

This is due by 5:00 pm two days before the last day of the quarter, unless otherwise specified.

Films:

Tucker: The Man and His Dreams, 1988 (Entrepreneurship, market systems)

Nanook of the North, 1922 or The Man of Aran, 1934 (Scarcity, resources)

Wall Street, 1987 or Boiler Room, 2000 (Mixed economy, financial markets, government regulations, asymmetric information)

Germinal, 1993 (Economic growth, industrialization, capitalism, derived demand)

Modern Times, 1936 or Office Space, 1999 (Specialization, productivity, technology, economies of scale)

The Man in the White Suit, 1951 or Trading Places, 1983 (Market structure, oligopoly, market power, game theory)

Norma Rae, 1979 (Monopsony, Monopoly, market power)

Pursuit of Happiness, 2006 (Entrepreneurship, financial markets)