The Dark Knight: Exam Directions, Rubric and Topics

DIRECTIONS: Choose seven (7) of the following nine (9) topics. For each topic you must write at least 75 words. There is no limit.

RUBRICS: The best exams will feature the following:

• MEANING: Your analysis of the topic reveals an in-depth and insightful connection.
• DEVELOPMENT: At least three pieces of evidence to support your position. Evidence is defined as info from the movie
• ORGANIZATION: This means that you maintain your focus throughout your response and that your structure is logical and coherent
• LANGUAGE: This means that your writing isn't tedious and stilted, but flowing and sophisticated and on the level of a high school student. Your writing must establish a voice and awareness of audience and a sense of purpose.
• CONVENTIONS: This means your writing is error-free in terms of grammar and spelling.
• Grammatically correct: No errrors at all!

TOPICS: Topics 1 - 4 are related to themes. Topics 5 - 9 are related to characters.

1. The irony and paradox of the Joker: planned chaos.
2. The ends justify the means.
3. Contrast how the Batman and the Joker use the power of life and death over others.
4. Good always defeat Evil.
5. The Batman is a flawed character.
6. The Batman and the Joker are two sides of the same coin.
7. Harvey Dent shows that there is a thin line between Good and Evil.
8. "Two-Face " shows that life is truly unpredictable.
9. Alfred is the conscience of the Batman.

The Movie Project

OPTION ONE
1. Pick a movie, any movie. I respectfully insist that your movie not
go beyond PG-13. The movie you choose should be one that you
consider really good OR really awful.
2. Pick a scene from the movie that lasts about five to seven minutes
3. Introduce the film: this must be presented in written AND oral forms (see other side)
· title
· main characters
· actors who play the main characters
· setting
· themes
· motifs
· symbols
· music
· camera angles
· quotes
4. Present the scene to the class and explain why this movie is really
good OR really awful
5. Accept the praise or criticism of your classmates

OPTION TWO
1. Create a film of your own. If you already have one, lucky you!
2. Pick a scene from the movie that lasts about five to seven minutes

FOLLOW DIRECTIONS 3, 4, 5 ABOVE

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1. You MAY use a partner. Please: three’s a crowd.

HOLDEN AND THE PSYCHIATRIST: A Dialogue

Now that Holden has ended his narrative, it is time for us to play psychiatrist. Imagine you are a psychiatrist treating Holden. Have a dialogue with him during which you must discuss the following 9 topics:
1. loneliness
2. depression
3. the painfulness of growing up
4. symbols and their meanings
5. the hotel room incident
6. Jane Gallagher
7. Allie
8. Phoebe
9. sexuality