This is not a “traditional” final examination. Rather, I want you to use this as an opportunity to dive back into the two units from the second half of the semester, now that you’ve had more opportunity to reflect and refine your thinking.
Because you have access to all of your readings or notes, you are expected to provide specific names, titles, dates, etc. (For example, it’s not good enough to say, “The book we read about fear….” You should be able to name it and its authors.)
Also, you can always write more than 2 pages, but you shouldn’t expect to receive above a C if you write less. The strongest analyses will have a clear thesis (argument), textual evidence (details from whatever you’re analyzing), and fully cited quotes/details from the reading. And you will be expected to proofread as carefully as possible.
Finally, you should not replicate the analyses from your earlier essay (on fear or on American War). Obviously, you can address similar themes, etc. However, you need to develop an original thesis (and, ideally, make different points with different evidence/quotes) on the exam. If you have questions about this, we can discuss them on the final day of class.
Part I American Fears, Political Nightmares
Points: 125
Length: 2+ typed pages
In the conclusion of Fear Itself, the authors offer an important argument: “Individuals who occupy more vulnerable social statuses are more exposed to and at greater risk of having high levels of fear. This increased exposure to fear is a product of social inequality, but it also deepens inequality, robbing millions of people of their well-being and quality of life” (127).
In a 2-page essay (complete with an introduction, a thesis, and a brief conclusion), I want you to wrestle with this argument. Is it persuasive? Are the authors missing something? Can it help us understand some aspect of American culture in 2021—and, if so, what?
As always, students who hope to do well will need to draw upon specific evidence to back up their analyses. These can (and most likely should) include terminology, theories, and/or quotes from the book. Students should also feel free to integrate discussions of other texts—photographs, films and film clips, news items, course readings, etc.—in order to bolster their analysis.
Finally, the best essays will demonstrate the significance of their argument(s). In other words, why does this topic even matter? How can it help us think about other issues in American culture (e.g., national identity, American exceptionalism, “who counts” in America)? What is its relevance for understanding America today?
Part II Fiction in an Age of Political Violence and Climate Change
Points: 125
Length: 2+ typed pages
In a 2017 essay for the Los Angeles Times, sci-fi writer John Scalzi explains: “Science fiction is commonly considered the literature of the future, but more often than not it’s about today. Yes, the events that take place in it (usually) happen in the future, and often feature technology or characters that don’t exist….but the people writing it and reading it live now, and the stories they’re writing and reading reflect the hopes and fears of whatever age the story is written in.”
In a 2-page essay (complete with an introduction, a thesis, and a brief conclusion), I want you to test Scalzi’s thesis through an analysis of Omar El Akkad’s 2017 novel American War. Does the novel reflect the “hopes and fears” of contemporary Americans—and if so, which ones (which “hopes and fears” and which Americans)?
As always, students who hope to do well will need to draw upon specific evidence, terminology, theories, and/or comparisons from readings, lectures, media presentations, and in-class discussions. Feel free to integrate discussions of other texts—photographs, films and film clips, advertisements, short pieces, etc.—in order to bolster your analysis. (Though, again, the novel should be the centerpiece of your analysis.)
Finally, the best essays will demonstrate the significance of their argument(s). In other words, why does this topic even matter? How can it help us think about other issues in American culture in 2021?
Suggestions
• Make sure that you cite all evidence (that includes readings from class). If you are quoting, include page numbers (unless you are drawing from an online source). Moreover, make sure you have specific examples to back up your claims. For example, don’t say “Many Americans believe we are on the brink of a civil war” unless you cite a specific news article or source that backs up your claim.
• If you’d like, feel free to integrate discussions of January 6, COVID-19, the George Floyd murder, or other current topics into your discussions.
• Proofread as if you are turning in any other essay.
• Students are always encouraged to integrate concepts from the first section of class (nationalism, ideology, myth, etc.) into their essays.
• Be sure to do both essays.
write both parts as a single word document.
following are readings from the class that can be used in the essays
1.) https://canvas.okstate.edu/courses/89582/modules/items/2823550
2.)https://canvas.okstate.edu/courses/89582/modules/items/2823755
3.)https://canvas.okstate.edu/courses/89582/modules/items/2823552
4.)https://canvas.okstate.edu/courses/89582/modules/items/2823840
5.)https://canvas.okstate.edu/courses/89582/modules/items/2823850
6.)https://canvas.okstate.edu/courses/89582/modules/items/2823261
7.)https://canvas.okstate.edu/courses/89582/modules/items/2823254
8.)https://canvas.okstate.edu/courses/89582/modules/items/2823264
