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Beyond the Big Screen

This guide houses resources for the annual Beyond the Big Screen event.

Welcome to the Beyond the Big Screen 
research guide for The Amazing Spider-Man.

This guide contains information about events and contests related to the program, ways to access the book and film, and resources to help you research key themes of the story.

The Amazing Spider-Man- Access the Book and Films

Use your FSCJ login credentials to access the films through our SWANK database. Please note that these films are not licensed to be screened by an audience other than in a personal or classroom setting. 

The Amazing Spider-Man- Events

Headline Event

Screening of Avengers: Endgame
Thursday, January 23
1-4 p.m.
Kent Campus, D-120
This event will include a costume contest. Snacks will be provided.

Additional Events

Manta Ray Nation vs. Spider-Man
When: Thursday, February 6 @ 9:30 a.m.
Where: Downtown Campus LLC, Room A-2102Q
Speaker: Lisa Moore

Disorderly Conduct. Reckless Endangerment. Aggravated assault. Destruction of property. Evading arrest.  Is Spidey a hero, or just a really cool criminal?  You be the jury as Lisa Moore, former prosecutor for the 4th judicial circuit, presents the case!

Faculty and staff attending this event will be eligible for 1 hour 1% credit:  https://bridge.fscj.edu/learner/training/ed0f3ace/sessions/7841/enroll

 

Hero or Horror: Spider-Man Under the Monster Studies Microscope 
When: Monday, February 10 @ 1 p.m.
Where: South Campus LLC,  Room G-300
Speaker: Scott Cason

This talk explores the multifaceted nature of Spider-Man, questioning traditional perceptions of monstrosity and heroism. By examining key elements of Spider-Man's narrative, such as his transformation, societal reception, and the dualities within his character, it analyzes whether Spider-Man embodies characteristics typically associated with monsters. This exploration aims to challenge and expand the conventional boundaries of what constitutes a 'monster' in popular culture and literature, providing a nuanced interpretation of one of the most beloved figures in superhero lore.

Faculty and staff attending this event will be eligible for 1 hour 1% credit: https://bridge.fscj.edu/learner/training/1c33ea7a/sessions/7842/enroll  

 

"Anyone Can Wear the Mask. You Could Wear the Mask":
Why even YOU could be Spider-Man
When: Tuesday, February 18 @ 9:30 a.m.
Where: Downtown Campus LLC,  Room A-2102Q
Speaker: Rebecca Reeder

In this talk, we will discuss why Spider-Man can be the model super hero when discussing Diversity and Inclusion. No matter race or gender, Spider-Man allowed for all children, and adults, to imagine themselves in the costume. In a late life interview, Stan Lee discussed how he accidentally created a universal superhero. And even YOU could don the Spidey suit!

Faculty and staff attending this event will be eligible for 1 hour 1% credit: https://bridge.fscj.edu/learner/training/a7f7c3e0/sessions/7843/enroll

 

"Who is that Masked Menace?": On Superheroes, Secret Identities, and Selfhood
When: Thursday, February 20 @ 11 a.m.
Where: Nassau Center,  David Yulee Room A-114A
Speaker: Shep Shepard

Using The Amazing Spider-Man as a central text, this presentation explores how masks function in superhero narratives and how those narratives both reinforce and complicate our assumptions about personal identity. Do masks function as false faces? Do faces themselves serve as kinds of masks? Do the front-facing signs presented to the world disguise or reveal who a person "really” is? These questions and others are examined as we consider Spider-Man and his cultural impact.

Faculty and staff attending this event will be eligible for 1 hour 1% credit: https://bridge.fscj.edu/learner/training/99d630ad/sessions/7844/enroll

 

"With Great Power...": Mental Well-Being and the Hero's Journey in Spider-Man
When: Monday, February 24 @ 9:30 a.m.
Where: Downtown Campus LLC, Room  A-2102Q
Speaker: Sarah Stuart

This talk explores the different stages of the classic hero's journey through the lens of Peter Parker's life. Focusing on the social and emotional struggles Peter faces—balancing personal responsibility, self-doubt, and societal expectations— it examines how Spider-Man's story serves as both a superhero narrative and a reflection of the internal challenges many experience in their own lives. By analyzing key moments from the comics, attendees will discover how Spider-Man's path to self-acceptance and heroism offers insight into personal growth and their own personal heroes’ journeys.

Faculty and staff attending this event will be eligible for 1 hour 1% credit: https://bridge.fscj.edu/learner/training/0e561668/sessions/7845/enroll

The Amazing Spider-Man- Contests

Contests

This year, Beyond the Big Screen is hosting an essay contest, an art contest, and a video contest related to The Amazing Spider-Man. See below for more details.  

Essay Contest

Overview:
In Spider-Man, we see that Peter Parker initially disguises himself because he doesn't want people to see him fail. He designs a better costume after he succeeds in order to improve his showmanship. He continues the disguise in order to protect his family from public scrutiny.

In a 500 to 600-word essay, consider a time when you have felt like you had to hide an important aspect of yourself from others. Discuss this experience and relate it to Peter's need to keep his Spider-Man identity a secret.

Format:
The essay must be typed and have a creative title specific to the topic of your paper. The essay also must have clear paragraph designations. A submission that appears as one long paragraph will be disqualified. Using a formatting style like MLA or APA is recommended but not required.

Contest Rules:

  • Submission must include your name, FSCJ email address and phone number.
  • Contest is open to FSCJ students only.
  • By entering this contest, you consent to having your entry displayed in FSCJ galleries and on the website.
  • Submission deadline is March 3, 2025. Winners will be announced in March.
  • Only one entry per student will be accepted.
  • Essays will be judged by a panel of FSCJ faculty and staff.

Judging Criteria:

  • 50% on addressing the theme's message
  • 30% well-developed paragraphs and clear language
  • 20% on originality

The essay should be organized with well-developed body paragraphs that highlight the subject's abilities and also contain minimal errors in the area of grammar, punctuation and mechanics.

Submission Deadline: March 3, 2025

Prizes

  • First Place: $300
  • Second Place: $200
  • Third Place: $150

Submit at this website.
For questions, email Professor Antee at a.antee@fscj.edu

Video Short Contest

Overview:
Record a short video (fifteen seconds to one minute) creatively demonstrating your takeaway from the themes of Spider-Man. They include:

  • Dealing with emotional loss. 
  • Understanding when and how to ask for and accept help.
  • Knowing the importance of doing what is right.
  • The importance of critical thinking and thoroughly thinking things through.
  • The importance of family.
  • It’s okay to keep some secrets!
  • Sometimes we sacrifice our own happiness to ensure the safety or happiness of others.
  • Always look out for, appreciate and give voice and help to the under-represented.
  • It’s okay to forgive those who have wronged you.
  • Everyone is capable of being someone’s hero.

Rules:

  • This contest is open to all FSCJ students.
  • Only one entry per student will be accepted.
  • You must record your own video, upload it to Canvas Studio, then submit the link and your contact information on this form.
  • The video cannot be less than 0:15 (fifteen seconds) nor longer than 1:00 (one minute).
  • All videos will be recorded in a 16:9 aspect ratio. That simply means it is recorded in a wide (landscape), not tall (portrait) format. It should look like it fits on your flat screen TV, not taller than it is wide.
  • Students may use props, filters, graphics or special effects if they choose to do so.
  • By entering this short video contest, you consent to having your entry shown by FSCJ at all events and on social media and elsewhere, now and in the future. Winning entries will be shared on the official FSCJ website, related sites, and on social media.

Judging:
The judging committee is comprised of FSCJ faculty and staff. The committee will watch and evaluate your submission based on overall feel and creativity. Those submissions with higher production values and more creativity will receive a higher score. The submission that makes the strongest impression on the committee will be determined to be the winner. The video must remain posted for at least one year after the contest ends. Judging committee decisions are final.

How to Submit:
FSCJ Students will record their video in 16:9 format (wide, landscape) and upload it to Canvas Studio. Submissions from Vimeo, YouTube or any other video platform will not be accepted by the committee. Students will create a public URL in Canvas Studio and then submit that URL/link on this form. For additional guidance on how to do this, watch these videos review the content at the following links.
How do I upload media files in my Canvas Studio account?
How do I get a public link for media in Canvas Studio?

Submission Deadline:
March 1, 2025 at noon EST (Jacksonville Florida time)

Prizes

  • 1st Place $200
  • 2nd Place $150
  • 3rd Place: $100

Submit using this form.

For questions email joe.labarbera@fscj.edu.

Art Contest

Overview: 

This contest challenges you to visualize the themes present in The Amazing Spider-man. Create artworks that speak about heroism, identity, responsibility, family, abandonment, personal challenges, justice or any other theme present in the book. All works will be displayed at the Deerwood Campus from February 26 – March 28, 2025 (closed for Spring Break).

Rules

  • Any FSCJ student may submit up to two (2) artworks or digital media pieces (excluding video).
  • Drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, printmaking, graphic design, digital images, etc. will be accepted.
  • Works must be ready to hang/display when they are submitted. 2D pieces should be either framed or mounted on white or black foam core.
  • Please include your name and the title of the piece on the back or bottom of your work of art.

 Judging
The contest will be judged by the Gallery Coordinator and two other FSCJ faculty or staff members. 

How to Submit
Drop off your work in the South Campus Gallery, Wilson Center for the Arts, M1, Room 1110, or the Deerwood Faculty Resource Center, C2300, between February 12 - 19, 2025, along with an entry form available at either location. For submissions after hours or any questions about the contest contact the Gallery Coordinator at Micoel.Fuentes@fscj.edu.

Submission Deadline
Works must be submitted on or before February 19, 2025, 4 p.m.
Return of Work: April 1 - 15, 2025.  Pick up artwork in the same location where you dropped it off.

Prizes
1st place $300
2nd place $200
3rd place $100

The Amazing Spider-Man- Research Themes

Vigilantism consists of those acts taken by individuals who are attempting to enact their own rule of law or sense of morality, in essence taking the law into their own hands. One who participates in vigilantism is known as a vigilante. The word has Latin roots in the word “vigilant,” meaning “alertly watchful especially to avoid danger,” which then permutated into “vigilante.” Vigilantism, by reflection and extension at its broadest definition, is the cause or doctrine of being a vigilante.

Ende, J., Vander. (2014). Vigilantism. The Encyclopedia of Criminology and Criminal Justice (1st ed.). Wiley. https://search.credoreference.com/articles/Qm9va0FydGljbGU6MTI4MTU4OA==?aid=20878

Zizumbo-Colunga, D. (2017). Community, Authorities, and Support for Vigilantism: Experimental Evidence. Political Behavior, 39(4), 989–1018. https://fscj-flvc.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01FALSC_FSCJ/2a9b7j/cdi_proquest_journals_1959190894 

Vigilante justice challenges the state’s monopoly over the use of violence and as such has come to the attention of a growing body of political scholars. However, still little is known about the circumstances that foster support for citizens circumventing the state to confront crime directly. I argue that citizens’ perceptions of a trusting community, on the one hand, and an untrustworthy law enforcement, on the other, jointly influence their support for this kind of behavior. I test these hypotheses using a lab-in-the-field experiment in Mexico, a case in which the expansion of vigilante organizations has posed a serious challenge to the state. I find that participants are more supportive of a vigilante action when those considering said action are described to be inserted within a trustworthy community. Further-more, I find that this effect is moderated by the described trustworthiness of law enforcement. These results contribute to our understanding of the emergence of vigilantism, and how trust in authorities can moderate the normative expression of social capital.

e Silva, K. K. (2018). Vigilantism and cooperative criminal justice: is there a place for cybersecurity vigilantes in cybercrime fighting? International Review of Law, Computers & Technology, 32(1), 21–36. https://fscj-flvc.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01FALSC_FSCJ/2a9b7j/cdi_crossref_primary_10_1080_13600869_2018_1418142

Are cybersecurity vigilantes at odds with criminal justice? Perhaps. In general terms, vigilantism could be understood as an act of retaliation launched by private agents in response to a perceived criminal conduct and targeting alleged perpetrators of a crime. This form of unofficial crime control has flourished on the Internet, where non-State actors have enforced informal means of justice to counter criminal behavior. Recently, the actions of cybersecurity vigilantes have become a recurrent (and sometimes disruptive) element in the fight against cybercrime. In this paper, I shall argue that individuals who make use of force in response to criminal activities online could pose a serious threat to cybercrime investigations - but also that by acting upon a presumable moral duty to counter crime, cybersecurity vigilantes are turning the tables on how law enforcement is effectuated online and shaping the future of cooperative criminal justice.

Edri-Peer, O., & Cohen, N. (2023). Procedural Justice and the Unintended Role of Street-Level Bureaucrats in Prompting Citizens to Act as Vigilantes. American Review of Public Administration, 53(2), 51–63. https://fscj-flvc.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01FALSC_FSCJ/2a9b7j/cdi_proquest_journals_2781136363

What role do the perceptions of clients about the procedural justice that street-level bureaucrats (SLBs) use when implementing policy play in prompting citizens to engage in vigilante actions? Using qualitative methods, we examine the unintended effects of SLBs’ implementation of policy on citizens’ vigilantism. We contribute to the literature by showing that procedural justice on the street level is in fact an important factor in citizens’ decisions to act as vigilantes. Our findings identified three significant factors in these decisions: the citizens’ ability to voice their complaint, the sense that they were treated respectfully and their trust that the police officers would do what they could to deal with their complaint. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that citizens and SLBs do not share the same perceptions of the role of the police as service providers, and that this gap increases citizens’ motivations to act independently.


Carlson, J. (2017). How to train a 50-year-old superhero: as action stars lead franchises into their second decades, top trainers sweat to keep actors ripped while providing knee- and back-friendly routines now that they “can’t take the physical abuse.” In The Hollywood reporter (Vol. 423, Issue 24, pp. 40-). Prometheus Global Media LLC.

https://fscj-flvc.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01FALSC_FSCJ/2a9b7j/cdi_gale_infotracmisc_A501831772

Dave Crewe. (2019). Cinema science: The small wonders of “Ant-Man and the Wasp.” In Screen education (St Kilda, Vic.) (Issue 92, pp. 22–29). https://fscj-flvc.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01FALSC_FSCJ/2a9b7j/cdi_rmit_collectionsjats_search_informit_org_doi_abs_10_3316_informit_305344204824710

Mostly eschewing the expansive scale that the genre is known for, Marvel's 'Ant-Man' and the Wasp takes the superhero genre into the miniature world of quantum particles, providing opportunities for students to be introduced to ideas such as Heisenberg's uncertainty principle and the 'Schrodinger's cat' thought experiment. The film can also foster discussions about the biology, physics, chemistry and communication strategies of insects, as Dave Crewe describes.