Final Research Project 2000-2500 wds 25%
This assignment invites you to create a final project that applies Critical Theory from the course to cultural products, the real world, or art and literature in productive ways. You are also welcome to write an essay in which you expand on a specific reading in order to critique it, to challenge it, or broaden changing understanding of the ideas within it, using your own critical interjections and other theorists/researchers.
What ‘applying theory’ means may vary depending on your program of study or your interest, and it will be up to you to determine a specific focus for this project! Journalism students may wish to frame a research essay in the form of a ‘story’ complete with photos and captions…more formally written than a typical piece and using research/theorists as your sources on a topic. If you have an idea for a creative way to explore theory, talk to me!
Requirements:
All responses must draw on theory assigned, and demonstrate your ability to understand, engage with, and apply it meaningfully using MLA 9th edition format and citation guidelines.
2000-2500 wds in length (or 8-10 minutes for option 2).
Avoid writing on theorists you’ve already written on unless you plan to go in a new direction or really deepen the critical analysis…discuss with me if in doubt! Otherwise, you can choose any theory that sparks your interest, imagination, or inner skeptic.
3 or more sources, 2 of which must be peer-reviewed. This does not include your primary source (the theory reading you are primarily focused on).
Don’t forget to cite photos, videos, TV episodes, songs, etcetera in your Work Cited if you use them in your project!
OPTION 1: Traditional Theory Essay (2000-2500 wds)
Write a critical persuasive essay that analyzes and explores a topic germane to critical theory/using the lens of one of the theories/theorists in the course. You might consider:
Providing a close, critical analysis of a novel, poem, film, or television show of your choice through a particular theoretical lens (we’ve been using film and TV clips for discussion to do just that in class). Note: if you write on film or TV you ideally will have some experience doing this academically; the conventions and terminology are a bit different! Discuss with me if you want to do this but are unsure of how to approach it, or if you need resources.
this is my topic
Nixon wonders how we can raise apprehension about slow violence via an intersection of imagination and science so that people understand it/take action. Analyze an advertisement campaign, or a painting, or a film, etcetera, and explain how it grapples with slow violence. I want you to connect this theory with the movie called WALL-E.
The strength of the essay will then rely on your ability to apply the concept of slow violence to the film, preferably through moments of close reading.
If you discuss film you should be familiar with basic film language and writing conventions, though for this course it won’t be the primary focus. At the very least you should be comfortable with terms like close-up, extreme close up, high and low angle shots, medium shot, full shot, long shot.
When you cite a film, put the year of release in brackets after first mention.
At first mention of a character, in brackets, put the actor’s full name. Ex. In World War Z (2013), Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt) must find a way to save the world from zombies.
If you cite dialogue, provide a time stamp. It goes hour, minute, second….(01:02:04-01:03:00)
The above would mean a character delivered a quote starting at the one hour, 2 minute and 4 second mark and finished speaking at the one hour, 3 minute mark.
Don’t forget to include your film in the Work Cited list. To find necessary info like the production company, you may need to consult a source like IMDB.
ASSESSMENT:
Originality. The manuscript offers a fresh approach to its critical inquiry.
Theoretical framework. Critical theory is used clearly and consistently throughout the manuscript to guide its central argument.
Sound research base and proper documentation. Cite a combination of sources, following 9th edition MLA conventions, that add credibility and depth to the central argument.
Mechanics. Grammatically correct and expressive writing that is well-organized with a clear thesis and argument throughout.
Level of visual evidence (specific to Option 2): if you analyze images, they should be included and cited in your submission. If you include short clips, preface them with an introductory statement and analyze them. PowerPoints should be free of spelling-errors, have a consistent and clear organization and style, and you should appear onscreen for the duration. Be mindful that the image is clear, that you are centered, and that you look at the camera from time to time!
