Southeast Asia is the region we will explore through documentary films this week.  Below are the choices, and as always make sure to apply 3 concepts from the course readings to the issues or problems presented in the film.  In case you forgot,  are the detailed directions for the film analysis. 

 takes us to the South China Seas and explores the conflict over resources in international oceans.  

 goes to Vietnam and explores farming, history, and current challenges on the Mekong River.  

 goes to Cambodia and explores Buddhism, elephants, and forests along this important river. 

 goes to Laos and explores tourism, casinos, and modernization. 

 examines the millions of undetonated bombs–from the U.S. during the Vietnman war–that litter the Laotian countryside

 examines the cultural and environmental impact of tourism on the unique and beautiful island.  

 looks into the severe deforestation in Sumatra by paper and palm oil companies, and the impact of local communities and endangered tiger species.  

They Call it Myanmar (available on Netflix) is an inside look into the dictatorship and recovery in Myanmar.  

First they Killed my Father (available on Netflix) is not a documentary, but a feature film that portrays one family’s experience with the Khmer Rouge and genocide.  Super intense film.  

No Reservations: Laos follows food writer Anthony Bourdain as he explores Buddhism, the Vietnam War, and archaeology sites in Laos.  Available for purchase on YouTube or Amazon (or if you look maybe you can find it for free online).  **this episode is really really good** 

Documentary film analysis

Documentary films are an excellent resource for learning about the world.  Each week, there are a number of films for you to explore, from social issues to contemporary debates, from historical curiosities to natural wonders.  You pick the film you want to watch, and then follow this outline for your film analysis.  

Your analysis should be 5 paragraphs long.  You will NOT be writing a summary of the film, but instead a reflection and analysis.  The first paragraph should be a general reflection on what you thought of the film, followed by an analysis of key terms in the book that relate to the film.  Here is what is expected in each paragraph of your original posting:

Paragraph 1:  General thoughts on the film. In this paragraph, state what film you watched and why.  What did you like about the film, what did you not like about the film? 

Paragraph 2:  Key term 1 from the reading that applies to the film.  Look over the chapter in the textbook that corresponds with the film’s regional focus (Latin America, Russian Domain, Oceania, etc) and find 3 terms or themes that relate to the issues presented in the film.  How do you see this key term reflected in the film?  How does the film relate to the term as presented in the book?  For example, in South Asia you may watch a film about the garment industry in Bangladesh and relate the film to discussions in the book on gender, poverty, and population growth.  In this paragraph, you will choose one of these terms and explain its relevance to the film.  Make sure to use bold text to indicate the key term or theme being discussed. 

Paragraph 3:  Key term 2 from the reading that applies to the film.  In this paragraph, you will choose a 2nd term from your list of terms that relate to the film to examine.  State which key term you are discussing in this paragraph, make sure to use bold text, and explain how the term relates to the film.  

Paragraph 4:  Key term 4 from the reading that applies to the film.  In this paragraph, you will choose a 3rd and final term from your list of terms that relate to the film to examine.  State which key term you are discussing in this paragraph, make sure to use bold text, and explain how the term relates to the film.  

Paragraph 5:  connections, new ideas, globalization, and big take aways.  In this paragraph, you will discuss the major lessons you learned from the film, how ideas in the film are connected to your own life and/or experiences, or how this film helped you understand the topic in new ways.  

Each paragraph is worth 5 points.  

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