The latest book in Routledge Undergraduate Research Series is Undergraduate Research in Film: A Guide for Students by Lucia Ricciardelli, and CUR Councilors Jenny Olin Shanahan and Gregory Young. Like other books in this series, it focuses on students rather than on faculty mentors. Also, it deserves attention from a wider audience than the title implies. Most of its advice is applicable to any undergraduate research in the humanities. In its target area, film studies, the book introduces the readers to many student projects and online resources, as well as a few upper-level seminar classes.
Something for everyone
While the book is geared towards film majors, almost all humanities and arts students will find it beneficial because[1] the first half covers general topics such as literature reviews, reflective reading, and citing sources. Chapter Two[2] defines literature reviews as “a narrative that could stand on its own as a coherent essay, with unified paragraphs and transitions between points” (9). Additionally, it suggests readers treat literature reviews as “joining a conversation” and argues that original ideas emerge only from “closely reading, or ‘listening’ to, the previous participants’ ideas” (10). Furthermore, Chapter Two goes on to cover reading reflectively, with an appreciation of context and without undue deference to published material (13-14). Then, Chapter Seven discusses MLA and APA citation guidelines, offering clear reasons why different disciplines prefer different citation styles, and gives tips for avoiding plagiarism.
Advice in Film Studies
The second half of the book points readers towards areas of film studies that are “fertile terrain for research” (157) such as film theory, the process of producing film, and cinema’s impact on society and culture. The authors demystify film theory, calling it “the ability to speculate about the general principles and properties of film” and “a philosophical inquiry into the nature and function of film in general” (111). The book also offers many examples of undergraduate research in film, from individual projects that demonstrate the influence of “theoretical discussion of contemporary sociopolitical issues” on popular films to upper division seminars that include a research component (119-120). In conclusion, Undergraduate Research in Film is an exciting addition to a valuable series. It begins to shift focus from the arts toward the humanities (previous titles in the series were on music, dance, and art).
