Dr. Marylee Reynolds Extra Credit Option for Cj 387, Organized Crime

Organized Crime at the Movies

All students have the option of completing up to two OC at the movies EC assignments. Each assignment is to be typed and double spaced. All EC assignments are due on or before Monday, November 10, 2008. No EC assignments will be accepted after the class period on November 10, 2008.

Each assignment is worth two EC points that will be added to the student’s final average at the end of the semester. Students may opt to complete two movie assignments for a total of four EC points. Many of the films listed below hit upon important substantive themes relevant to understanding OC. After viewing the film, students are to select a minimum of three examples from the film (you can certainly include more if you like) that relate to course content and discuss/explain specifically how your examples are related to course content. Therefore, students should quote directly from, or paraphrase from, the textbook, not class notes, in order to explain how the film example corresponds to course content. In other words, quote or paraphrase from the textbook and cite the textbook page numbers that correspond to the film examples you discuss. Comment on whether the media images are accurate. There is no set length for this assignment, use your own judgment. If you have already seen the film(s) listed below, then view them again with a more critical eye. Be creative when completing the assignment; think of all the OC topics, concepts, and theories that we have covered over the course of the semester that may apply to your film. In order to obtain the full two points, your EC assignment must be of superior quality. I am the sole judge of what “superior quality” is.

Ë Blow (2001)

Ë Casino (1995)

Ë Carlitto’s Way (1993)

Ë Goodfellas (1990) (If we don’t view this film in class, then you may view it on your own for EC. If we do view it in class, then I will provide you with an EC assignment specific to this film, it will count as one of the two EC assignments allowed, and it will probably be worth more than two points. Therefore you may actually be able to earn more than four EC points. Even if this film is viewed in class, students are not required to answer the EC questions.)

Ë A Bronx Tale (1993)

Ë The Departed (2006)

Ë Blood Diamond (2006)

Ë Donnie Brasco (1997)

Ë The Untouchables (1987)

Ë Road to Perdition (2002)

Ë Traffic (2001)

Ë Eastern Promises (2007)

Ë Trade (2007)

Ë American Gangster (2007)

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