In this final essay for the class, youll be arguing and researching about an issue related to a particular book, graphic novel, TV show/series, comedian, film, social media, musical group, video game, or pop culture trend or, if you want, you can look at a specific genre. The objective is to not only understand how to argue for something you believe deeply in or at the very least its value, but to research this topic and discover what has been written or said about it.
Additionally, you will learn how to do research, using library research tools such as databases and search engines as well as non-traditional data collectionwebsites, video/audio, images, evaluated sources for their credibility, craft an effective thesis statement, select relevant details to support general conclusions; focus on writing engaging introductions and conclusions; consider questions of voice, audience, and purpose; work with selecting and integrating appropriate strategies of development that may also include visual images/audio/video/websites; and, overall, to move toward a persuasive academic writing style where you take a position.
Depending on your topic, your goal is to argue for its value by showing why people watch it and what viewers gain from watching it. This may cover such aspects such as specific issues taken up in the show, its humor, what effect the show may have on you, why you find it intellectually or emotionally stimulating, its representations of women, relationships, people of color, gay relationships, friendships etc. what values are being perpetrated in the show, how the show relates or doesn’t relate to real life.
Conversely, you may argue that the show has negative connotations or representations of a particular social group whether it is millennials or , it may be sexist or racist, or have negative stereotypes or lack diversity.
The main object of this paper is to get you to take a position as a viewer/consumer amongst many other positions/consumers, using evidence from the show, your own experiences with the show, and outside sources to back up your assertions so that you can persuade your audience of your position.
Writing an argument is not an easy task although it can be very satisfying; therefore, well be spending a lot of time in class going over the various concepts of persuasion such as making a claim, using evidence and warrants, looking at counter arguments, as well as discussing the rhetorical appeals that you can use to make your claim stronger. Please keep up with deadlines as I will be enforcing them and you can lose important points for not turning in preliminary assignments.
Assignment Requirements
2. Research the topic to find out what critics and scholars have said about it. /find images or videos that provide information about the problem.
3. Become familiar with citing traditional, Internet, and images in MLA. 4. Draft the essay.
5. Check your citations and how you are using sources effectively.
6. Present your Findings.
Some considerations to keep in mind as you write:
One form your argument may take is to break down misconceptions about a particular pop culture phenomenon. Is there someone or several people that detest something that you love? What are their arguments for disliking it? Are they based on age, gender, or other biased criteria? Defend your cultural artifact against these misconceptions.
Remember that pop culture artifacts are ambiguous texts; they often have conflicting meanings. Thus, whereas some shows may appear feminist on the surface with a bit of digging you can argue that it is extremely male-centered and traditionally heterosexual. Thus, allow for a mixture of good and bad aspects of the show rather than judging it as perfectly horrible or horribly perfect. Even The Apprentice may have some redeeming value to viewers!
Remember to use enough support to back up your claim. Evidence is the most important aspect of your argument. Without evidence, youll never be able to argue and persuade effectively. Its like saying your car was stolen and not having a title or insurance to show that you own it. Therefore, remember to take notes while observing whatever it is you are studying. Think about the messages being sent to the consumer about the issue you are engaging with whether it had to do with positive representations of LGBT persons or overly violent crime shows. Not only the overt messages but more hidden ones can emerge only with some heavy thinking. Problematize your issue: Can Alicia from the Good Wife be a feminist figure and still wear micro-mini skirts to work?
Do not write to an agreeing audience. Because we live in a heterogeneous society, assume that some viewers are partly opposed to your claim. There is nothing worse than writing an argument where you assume the audience agrees with you; its antithetical to argument! Remember: even though you may be a diehard fan of South Park, others may hate it for the same reasons you love it.
Consider other positions/attitudes/ audiences that may not agree with your position. The sign of a good rhetor is that they will make some concessions about their topic yet not yield their position. At the same time, don’t attempt to argue both sides. You want to provide counter arguments but you dont want to completely agree with all sides in
the issue.
Examine your own assumptions about the show you’re writing about. What are your biases, filters, or terministic screens that influence your position? What positions are you writing from? A first generation immigrant https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rzhQThaydk? A white 20-something
feminist? A single parent? A returning college student? Your own “positionalities” won’t necessarily be spelled out in your paper, though you can do so if you think it’s important, but they affect the way you argue your points as well as the language and tone you use.
Your final essay must include:
A well-developed thesis that is arguable (this will be your claim) and organized
paragraphs, examples, appeals.
Counter argumentswhat do your opponents say about your topic? How can you
argue against those arguments?
Background information/Context of pop culture artifact
At least 3 sources that help expand your ideas
Two images that provide important information and are helpful to your argument,
not just illustrations
Paper length: 1000 words minimum.
