Screen The Birth of a Nation (available on Netflix, Amazon Prime) and write a 3-page paper analyzing the film as a primary source. You should discuss how Griffith represents the American past in terms of the time in which the film was made. What issues does he address, and how does he address them? If the film is about the birth of a nation, then how does Griffith conceive of that nation? What is he saying about America in 1915, and the historical conditions that created it? What narrative elements, cinematic techniques, and visual rhetoric does he use to make his point? What are his political or ideological investments?
Support your arguments using specific references to The Birth of a Nation. You may use any of the readings in the Course Pack, but you may not use any other sources. Use of Internet sources like Wikipedia will earn an automatic failing grade on this assignment.
You must cite all sources. Please cite The Birth of a Nation in this form: Footnote:
D.W. Griffith, dir., The Birth of a Nation, motion picture, USA, 1915. Parenthetical Reference:
(Griffith, 1915)
Bibliography:
Griffith, D.W. The Birth of a Nation. Motion picture, USA, 1915.
Sample Solution