Students work on the question of how culturally diverse groups perceive an Iranian film “A Separation” (available on youtube) To research the topic, students watch the film, organize a screening for one or two focus groups of different cultural origin, and conduct focus group discussions. Based on the analysis of the focus group discussions, students write a report. students can cite the readings listed below. Include at least two additional, relevant scholarly sources.

Readings::
Berger, Charles (2010)
Bonito, J.A. – Wittenbaum, G.M. – Hirokawa, R.Y. (2010)

1.    Watch the film “A Separation;” what are the most interesting themes addressed in the film? What emerges as the most fascinating issue calling for further discussion and analysis? Does it relate to gender, generations, age, marriage/divorce, class or something else?
2.    Read the readings and conduct a thorough literature search to find scholarly articles that address and refine your initial idea.
3.    Articulate your final research question regarding what you want to know about people’s perception of the film.
4.    Decide on the focus group participants: When, where, how, and with whom are you going to conduct interviews? Start scheduling, and be prepared for setbacks (cancellations etc.).
5.    Design the interview (how structured, which questions/topics to be addressed, determine your role as the moderator).
6.    Conduct the group discussions, record them, transcribe the most significant parts of the conversations for closer analysis.
7.    Analyze the group conversations in relation to your initial research question and the readings.
8.    Write the report. Include direct and indirect quotes from your groups to support your analysis. Write in a narrative form.