Racial Equality in In the Heat of the Night and Do the Right Thing. Compare and contrast the ways in which these films address the topic of race relations in America during their respective time periods. One film was released at the height of the civil rights era, while the other came out just months after Ronald Reagan left office. What changes in American society took place in the interim, and how do these films reflect those changes? Does one of these films offer a more hopeful portrait of race relations than the other?
The paper should be approximately 4 pages in length (typed, double-spaced, 12 point font, 1 ” margins). It should be in the form of an argument, with a clear thesis and relevant supporting evidence, drawn from the films, readings, and discussions.
The papers should situate the films under discussion in their proper historical context and should address how developments in American history may have influenced the topic of your essay.
Grading is on strength of your analysis, your engagement with course concepts and materials, and your writing mechanics.
Please provide a citation for any quotations or information obtained from outside sources; ANY standard bibliographic format is acceptable.
