Reading Quiz and Essay Guidelines

There will be a quiz based on the reading assigned for this week in class on Friday, so be sure you're prepared.

Also, here are some guidelines for the first essay which is due soon.

Length: Approx. 1000 words, no more than 1200
Format: Typed, standard citation format (MLA or Chicago Manual of Style)


Topic: open, but it should be a specific topic on one of the films we have watched so far in class. It should have an analytical focus on one specific aspect or theme of the film. You may and should refer to outside source material to help illustrate your ideas, but don't focus too much on this (this will be a greater emphasis in your second longer essay). Try to write on something that intrigues you about the film you choose. Do some free writing to explore what you have to say about it.

Since this is a relatively short essay, every word counts, so don't waste space quoting outside sources at length. I;m far more interested in your own original ideas and analysis.

Make sure your topic is focused and specific. Maybe you're interested in the portrayal of nostalgia in HOPE AND GLORY. But this is a very general topic. What about this interests you? The nostalgic feel of the film? The portrayal of the past as romantic, or as naive?
Maybe you found the portrayal of women or gender roles to be particularly interesting; what about these portrayals is interesting? How are older women portrayed as compared to teenagers and pre-teen girls? Are women mainly defined through their relationships to men, or with other females? How is motherhood portrayed?

Ask yourself plenty of questions in the preliminary stages of exploring your topic so that you can solidify and clarify it in a solid thesis statement, which introduces your essay.

You're encouraged to ask for help with your essay. You can visit the Writing Center in the Liberal Arts office in the Tower Bldg. Or you can email any questions or drafts to me and I;d be happy to give you feedback and help you.