UROP Project

***Exploring Women Characters in Bollywood Films

Film Studies, Bollywood, Media Studies, Gender Studies, South Asia
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Research Mentor: Ms. Rebecca Peters, She/her
Department, College, Affiliation: Religion, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: rlp08c@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors; Most relevant for Film Studies, Women's Studies, Asian Stuides, Communications, Humanities in General, International Affairs
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Wednesday, Sept. 6 from 2:00pm-2:30pm (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/97328272236)
Thursday, Sept. 7 from 6:00pm-6:30pm (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/91534780647)
Friday, Sept. 8 from 11:30am-12:00pm (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/98848909610)
Recording link: https://fsu.zoom.us/rec/share/o9ReQXu0yzRmUUlxy02e3n2hLaE_5px7vtGPlmrBIBKv7DN8vwLMPDBOV8hFGcI9.DuNf05ZsDj7U6fwH

Project Description

This project looks to quantify whether women directors impact the representation of women characters in their films. We are doing so by analyzing Bollywood films directed by women. To determine the number and quality of female characters, we will utilize what is called "film coding." "Film coding" is done through through close watching and marking every time we see certain things. Basically, we're looking to see what real impact having a woman in the role of director has on a film.


Research Tasks: The student research assistant will watch subtitled Bollywood films (no language proficiency or other experience in or knowledge of India is necessary), and complete surveys on their computers about each woman character onscreen. The student will receive training and will have the support of the mentor for
any questions or points of clarification. The process allows for a flexibility of when it can be completed within the week, for students who have more unusual schedules. NO prior film knowledge and no coding knowledge is necessary.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: None
Recommended: Access to Netflix and Prime; An understanding of Excel; Understanding of Google drive folders and files organization

Mentoring Philosophy

As a mentor, I view myself as a facilitator, an individual trained in specific fields of study that enables me to create the necessary environment and conditions where mentees can learn and grow. I view the mentee as someone whose aim is to increase their understanding of the world and to prioritize learning over finishing. Further, I accept that experience is one of the best and most lasting conduits for learning. In the mentor/mentee exchange, I commit to providing clear and straightforward expectations, to being available for any and all questions or concerns, and to creating work and environment productive to learning. I expect mentees to approach projects with open minds and inquisitive natures; it is never inappropriate to ask for clarification or repetition of expectations.

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