Using the materials listed in this Canvas module, as well as assigned course readings, lecturs,
and various multimedia, students will produce an essay that critically examines two western
films portraying the Middle East and answers the following questions:
1. Are there elements of what Edward Said would call Orientalism present in these films?
a. If so, what are they?
b. If not, how does the film strive to avoid Orientalism?
2. In your opinion, are these portrayals of the “East” problematic?
a. If so, how?
b. If not, why not?
3. How do these films influence the “West’s” understanding and opinion of the “East”?
MATERIALS:
Student may choose from the below films, or they can select an outside film with approval from
the instructor. Also see the corresponding Canvas module for required and optional readings.
1. Lawrence of Arabia
2. Aladdin (Original Disney Version)
3. True Lies
4. The Sheik
5. The Thief of Baghdad
6. The Wind and the Lion
COMPONENTS OF THE ESSAY
Overview of the Plots- This is perhaps the easiest part of the essay- briefly show me that you
have watched the film. What happened in the film? Who are the major characters? What type of
film is it? Fantasy? Historical drama? Fictional Period Drama
Historical Context- Students should address the period in which these films are set, regardless of
whether they are based on historical reality or are fictional. Even fictional stories like Aladdin
are placed in a rough / imprecise historical setting. What is the political context in which these
films are taking place? What rough period of Middle Eastern History are they set in or supposed
to be set in? What elements of the film come from the “West’s” imagination, and what parts of
the film are based on the Middle Eastern culture and history? You could also contextualize the
relationship between the “East” and the “West” at the time the film was made. Was it made when
terrorism was at the forefront of the western mind? Or was it made when the “East” was a land
of mystery?
Connect the Films to the Readings and Answer the Following Questions (Present Your Opinion)
Answer these questions: Are there elements of what Edward Said would call Orientalism present
in these films? If so, what are they? If not, how does the film strive to avoid Orientalism? Are
these portrayals of the “East” problematic? If so, how? If not, why not? How do these films
influence the “West’s” understanding and opinion of the East? This is your chance to explore
whether or not you agreed with Said; whether the films are problematic, or unproblematic. You could also have a nuanced opinion. Perhaps there are many elements of Orientalism present, but
maybe they are benign. Let me know what you think.
You will submit the essay in two stages. In the first stage, you will compose a draft (of at least
1000 words) that will discuss the topics above and indicate further work to be done before the
final draft. You will receive substantial feedback on your essay. Using the feedback from the
first stage, in the second stage you will revise your initial essay to at least 1,500 words. You will
not be permitted to turn in the final essay unless you have turned in the first essay, and (as the
rubric shows) the final essay will be evaluated partially on its response to instructor feedback on
the first draft. The draft will be due October 16 and will be worth 15 points or 15% of your
overall grade; the final 1,500-word project will be due December 4 and is also worth 15 points or
15% of your overall grade. This overall project (including peer review below) is worth 35% of
your overall grade.
Peer Review. After submitting the first draft, Students will be placed into pairs to conduct a peer
review of each other’s work. These peer reviews should be 500 words and should address the
following categories. 1) Thesis- How convincing do you find your partner’s thesis? How well
supported is it? 2) Other aspects of the prompt- How well does your partner address historical
context, the readings, and the plot of the films? 3) Writing – How is your partner’s grammar?
Sentence structure? Word choice? 4) Praise- What does your partner do well? 5) Suggestions-
Make a suggestion for your partner to consider adding to his or her final essay.
Note: this exercise is meant to be helpful. Please provide feedback and criticism, but do so in a
helpful, respectful, and polite way. This review is worth 5 points or 5% of your overall grade.
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