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Major essay requirements can be summarized as follows:

• A clear thesis is required and should be supported by the presentation and analysis of the material.

• Sound arguments, with concrete and contextualized visual analysis.

• Correct information (e.g. in terms of dates and locations, or other contextual information).

• A focused analysis (in support of your thesis and of what the assignment asks of you).

• A comprehensive analysis (all sections are equally well developed, following the prompt).

• A clear and informative title that reflects your essay topic and ideally your thesis.

• Proper English with correct spelling, grammar and syntax, as well as appropriate vocabulary. Avoid colloquialisms and clichés.

• Organized structure with an introduction, main part, and conclusion. The essay should progress in a logical sequence of statements.

• The use of appropriate and correct citations.

• Avoid generic, unsubstantiated statements.

• Avoid repetitions and redundant information. For your convenience, below are basic guidelines for essay papers that were included in the previous assignment (also available in Canvas Files > Essay Assignments > Writing Resources). Basic guidelines for essay papers:

• You must have a thesis.

• Don't just describe or recycle information from the sources and class material, but critically analyze it and present it in your own words in order to support the thesis, that is, the main statement about the topic discussed.

• Read What is a Thesis? in Canvas >Essay Assignments >Writing Resources. A thesis is a statement that requires critical argumentation in order to be supported—it is not an obvious statement. For example: “We use our eyes to see” is self-evident and therefore not a thesis. On the contrary, “The ways we see depend on what we learnt to value in our culture” is a statement that needs to be supported with specific arguments, and therefore is a thesis.

• The thesis must be supported with clear arguments and references to the required material analyzed in the essay, according to the relevant guidelines.

• Focus! Do not try to do too much. Better to go in depth on the most important issues, rather than be scattered and remain superficial.

• Be specific and accurate! Avoid sweeping and unsubstantiated generalizations.

• The use of proper English is essential. Use proper grammar and syntax, accurate vocabulary, and correct spelling). Think twice of the terms used to avoid malapropisms. Edit, proofread, spell-check, read aloud, review, peer review your essay. Use the thesaurus with caution.

• Good structure is essential. Include an introduction, main part, conclusion, and a logical order of arguments. Both the introduction and the epilogue should not be too lengthy,

nor too short. Balance the parts of the essay properly, so that the first and the last part serve the main part adequately, as introduction and conclusion.

• In the introduction, state the thesis clearly. What main theme are you going to discuss and with what objective? In other words, what is the main statement about your material. It is also advisable to state the method. How are you going to approach and analyze your material? For example, you will use visual analysis and will interpret the material in relation to its socio-cultural context.

• In the main part of the essay, support the thesis with coherent arguments and specific observations, in a logical order and with clear structure (e.g. examine the material in chronological or thematic order).

• The conclusion should be more than a summary of the essay; it should include a culminating remark that results from the overarching analysis.

• An original, informative and clear title is a good sign of a well-thought essay. Developing the title after writing the essay can be the easiest approach.

• Citations: although you are not expected to do bibliographic research for any of the essays in this class, you are still required to properly cite any sources used. For example, online sources you have found, and/or class when referencing specific statements. I do not expect you to cite lecture PowerPoints or videos because they are our common knowledge and background of the essays. Review the HAVC hints for writing papers (Canvas >Essay Assignments >Writing Resources) for the proper ways to credit sources, either in footnotes or parenthetical notations. You can use one or the other way, but not both; be consistent!

• Resources for your assignments: browse the various documents included in Canvas >Essay Assignments >Writing Resources, including Writing tutor resources, if you need help with your writing. You might also want to check the online resources at https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/

Plagiarism will not be tolerated, and it will result in a non-negotiable F, not only in the assignment but in the entire course. Please refer to the syllabus section on Academic Integrity for more information and talk to the instructor or TAs if there are any questions or concerns.