. How specific are the portrayals of characters’ identities?
Paper #2 is an analysis of one of the films we have watched so far in this class. Make an argument about the way cultural identity is depicted in the film. You can focus on any set of cultures and/or co-cultures. Use film terminology to describe specific scenes and storylines that back up
your claim. Length: 2-4 typed full pages minimum. Double spaced; 12pt font. Take a look at the rubric before you begin writing and before you
submit your paper. Some questions to get you thinking about what argument you want to make: How is a specific co-culture portrayed compared to the dominant culture? You can think about a wide variety of subcultures – gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, etc
. How specific are the portrayals of characters’ identities?
Do they rely on stereotypes or are they 3-dimensional? How does the characters’ identities impact the story? The theme of the movie?
What is the filmmaker’s cultural identity – does this affect the way they depict their own or others’ identities? You do not have to cover all of these things, just use these questions as a launching off point. Your paper should have the following: A thesis
statement that describes what your argument for the paper is A synopsis of the film in your own words A clear introduction that gives us a sense of your topic A body that is organized around your thesis A clear conclusion that reminds us why this is important Terminology from your glossary vocabulary Specific scenes/segments from the film used as examples MLA citations for any websites, books, or movies you use as research – Purdue Owl is a good resouces to help with this (purdue owl MLA guidelines (Links to an external site.)) Steps: Choose a film that we have watched together so far (weeks 1-9). Decide your approach to the film What argument will you make about culture in the film? Re-watch scenes, segments, or the entire film Do some research that supports your approach Organize your ideas Remember – introduction, body, conclusion Write your thesis statement Write your paper Proof-read & edit Submit by 5:40p on 4/15! How to Submit Your Assignment: Submit your work here in CANVAS as a Word .docx or other word processing file. Rubric Focus Paper Rubric Focus Paper Rubric Criteria Ratings Pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThesis Statement 10 to > pts Proficient Includes a strong and clear thesis statement that sets the foundation for the paper. 8 to > pts Competent Includes a thesis statement that is clear but does not strongly align with the content of the paper. 4 to >0 pts Unacceptable Does not include a clear thesis statement. 10 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSynopsis 10 to > pts Proficient Includes a synopsis in student’s own words. 8 to > pts Competent Includes a synopsis that is partially or wholly sourced elsewhere. 4 to >0 pts Unacceptable Does not include a synopsis. 10 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization 10 to > pts Proficient Includes a clear introduction, a well organized body, and a thoughtful conclusion. 8 to > pts Competent Includes an introduction, body, and
conclusion, but one or more are not as clear or well-organized as they could be. 4 to >0 pts Unacceptable Is missing one or more of the following: an introduction, body or conclusion OR does not present one or more clearly. 10 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFormal Understanding 10 to > pts Proficient Includes formal terminology and concepts and makes connections between the form and
thematic content. 8 to > pts Competent Includes some formal terminology and concepts and attempts to make connections between the form and thematic content but does not always succeed in a clear way. 4 to >0 pts Unacceptable Is missing one or more of the following: an introduction, body or conclusion OR does not present one or more clearly. 10 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCritical Thinking
10 to > pts Proficient Excellent critical thinking connecting the themes of the course; college level grammar and vocabulary. 8 to > pts Competent Some critical thinking about the themes of the course; writing skills are improving. 4 to >0 pts Unacceptable Minimal critical thinking; Writing skills need work.