ENGLISH 1301 paper

Writing the Critical Essay - The Argument Paper

Purpose: A critical essay builds an argument for what the work or some aspect of the work means (an interpretation), or its worth (an evaluation), or both.

To analyze is to look closely -- to examine the parts. This particular argument paper will focus on one part of the film - The Theme. Your task is to discover what you conclude to be the central idea expressed in All the President’s Men. In other words, you must determine what you believe the theme of the film to be. This will require the examination of the many parts of the film – for example – the plot, the characters, the time, the tone, the language, and the various elements used by the creators of the film. In addition, some documented research will be required to support your argument.

Reminder: an effective theme transcends the time and place of its setting. It has universal qualities that make it applicable to human nature in any time or place. Therefore, you must gather evidence that builds thoughtful observations and shapes convincing evaluations that can be articulated with clarity and credibility in a sound argument paper.

The Shape of an Argument:

The subject

The proposition about the subject (the thesis)

The evidence that supports the proposition about the subject

The explanation that connects the evidence to the proposition about the subject

The Essay Should Include the Following:

· An introduction, which might include background and contextual information

· A thesis statement that presents your argument (this should be underlined in the paper)

· A brief plot summary

· No less than three documented sources in the body of the paper

(the film is your primary source, plus two secondary sources)

· A conclusion that answers the question about the central idea expressed in the film.

Requirements:

MLA Format including:

Folder Cover Sheet Purpose Page

Outline A paper of 2-3 pages (5-7 paragraphs)

The paper will include no less than (3) direct quotes

A Works Cited page

Also, included in the Folder will be all work done before the final draft such as: rough draft, research printouts, copies, peer review sheets, etc.)

Peer Review:_Sept 19 ___________ Final Draft_Sept 24___________

Evaluation:

Your grade will be determined by how well you:

Wrote an introduction that brings the reader quickly into the film

Stated your view on the film in a clear thesis statement announcing a theme

gleamed from the film (underlined)

Provided background or contextual information

Wrote a brief summary of the story containing only essential information that

does not give away surprises, twists, or the ending in the film

Included some comment on the visual elements of the film

Provided evidence to support your view of the film

Wrote in a professional and lively voice, without using clichés

Wrote for the specific audience selected

Concluded strongly with a clear bottom-line evaluation of the film

Attributed sources correctly, according to MLA format

Edited the paper carefully for errors

Purpose: To evaluate and argue for or against the film selected for review

Topic: Write a film review of the screened film

The essay should include the following elements:

· An introduction, which could include background and contextual information

· A thesis statement that presents your argument (this should be underlined in your paper)

· A brief plot summary

· An analysis with (at least three documented instances of evidence) to support the analysis (quotations, paraphrases)

· A conclusion that answers the bottom-line question evidenced in the thesis statement: does the film provide a worthwhile viewing experience?

Requirements:

MLA Format (see pp. 211-212 of handbook) including:

Cover Sheet

Purpose Page

Outline

A paper of 2-3 pages (5-6 paragraphs) with (three) documented sources

A Works Cited page

Evaluation:

Your grade will be determined by how well you:

Wrote an introduction that brings the reader quickly into the film

Stated your view on the film in a clear thesis statement (underlined)

Provided background or contextual information

Wrote a brief summary of the story containing only essential information that

does not give away surprises, twists, or the ending in the film

Included some comment on the visual elements of the film

Provided evidence to support your view of the film

Wrote in a professional and lively voice, without using clichés

Wrote for the specific audience selected

Concluded strongly with a clear bottom-line evaluation of the film

Attributed sources correctly, according to MLA format

Edited the paper carefully for errors

GUIDELINES FOR THE FILM REVIEW -- Summer -- 2010

Purpose: To evaluate and argue for or against the film selected for review

Topic: Write a film review of one of the screened films

The essay should include the following elements:

· An introduction, which could include background and contextual information

· A thesis statement that presents your argument (this should be underlined in your paper)

· A brief plot summary

· An analysis with at least two documented sources of evidence, the film will be the third source used in the essay (quotations, paraphrases, etc.) to support the analysis of the film

· A conclusion that answers the bottom-line question evidenced in the thesis statement: does the film provide a worthwhile viewing experience?

Requirements:

MLA Format (MLA handbook) including:

Cover Sheet

Purpose Page

Outline

A paper of 2-3 pages (5-6 paragraphs) with (three) documented sources

A Works Cited page

Evaluation:

Your grade will be determined by how well you:

Wrote an introduction that brings the reader quickly into the film

Stated your view on the film in a clear thesis statement (underlined)

Provided background or contextual information

Wrote a brief summary of the story containing only essential information that

does not give away surprises, twists, or the ending in the film

Included some comment on the visual elements of the film

Provided evidence to support your view of the film

Wrote in a professional and lively voice, without using clichés

Wrote for the specific audience selected

Concluded strongly with a clear bottom-line evaluation of the film

Attributed sources correctly, according to MLA format

Edited the paper carefully for errors

Purpose: To evaluate and argue for or against the film selected for review

Topic: Write a film review of the screened film

The essay should include the following elements:

· An introduction, which could include background and contextual information

· A thesis statement that presents your argument (this should be underlined in your paper)

· A brief plot summary

· An analysis with (at least three documented instances of evidence) to support the analysis (quotations, paraphrases)

· A conclusion that answers the bottom-line question evidenced in the thesis statement: does the film provide a worthwhile viewing experience?

Requirements:

MLA Format (see pp. 211-212 of handbook) including:

Cover Sheet

Purpose Page

Outline

A paper of 2-3 pages (5-6 paragraphs) with (three) documented sources

A Works Cited page

Evaluation:

Your grade will be determined by how well you:

Wrote an introduction that brings the reader quickly into the film

Stated your view on the film in a clear thesis statement (underlined)

Provided background or contextual information

Wrote a brief summary of the story containing only essential information that

does not give away surprises, twists, or the ending in the film

Included some comment on the visual elements of the film

Provided evidence to support your view of the film

Wrote in a professional and lively voice, without using clichés

Wrote for the specific audience selected

Concluded strongly with a clear bottom-line evaluation of the film

Attributed sources correctly, according to MLA format

Edited the paper carefully for errors

GUIDELINES FOR THE FILM REVIEW -- Spring -- 2010

Purpose: To evaluate and argue for or against the film selected for review

Topic: Write a film review of one of the screened films

The essay should include the following elements:

· An introduction, which could include background and contextual information

· A thesis statement that presents your argument (this should be underlined in your paper)

· A brief plot summary

· An analysis with at least two documented sources of evidence, the film will be the third source used in the essay (quotations, paraphrases, etc.) to support the analysis of the film

· A conclusion that answers the bottom-line question evidenced in the thesis statement: does the film provide a worthwhile viewing experience?

Requirements:

MLA Format (MLA handbook) including:

Cover Sheet

Purpose Page

Outline

A paper of 2-3 pages (5-6 paragraphs) with (three) documented sources

A Works Cited page

Evaluation:

Your grade will be determined by how well you:

Wrote an introduction that brings the reader quickly into the film

Stated your view on the film in a clear thesis statement (underlined)

Provided background or contextual information

Wrote a brief summary of the story containing only essential information that

does not give away surprises, twists, or the ending in the film

Included some comment on the visual elements of the film

Provided evidence to support your view of the film

Wrote in a professional and lively voice, without using clichés

Wrote for the specific audience selected

Concluded strongly with a clear bottom-line evaluation of the film

Attributed sources correctly, according to MLA format

Edited the paper carefully for errors

Purpose: To evaluate and argue for or against the film selected for review

Topic: Write a film review of the screened film

The essay should include the following elements:

· An introduction, which could include background and contextual information

· A thesis statement that presents your argument (this should be underlined in your paper)

· A brief plot summary

· An analysis with (at least three documented instances of evidence) to support the analysis (quotations, paraphrases)

· A conclusion that answers the bottom-line question evidenced in the thesis statement: does the film provide a worthwhile viewing experience?

Requirements:

MLA Format (see pp. 211-212 of handbook) including:

Cover Sheet

Purpose Page

Outline

A paper of 2-3 pages (5-6 paragraphs) with (three) sources documented

A Works Cited page

Evaluation:

Your grade will be determined by how well you:

Wrote an introduction that brings the reader quickly into the film

Stated your view on the film in a clear thesis statement (underlined)

Provided background or contextual information

Wrote a brief summary of the story containing only essential information that

does not give away surprises, twists, or the ending in the film

Included some comment on the visual elements of the film

Provided evidence to support your view of the film

Wrote in a professional and lively voice, without using clichés

Wrote for the specific audience selected

Concluded strongly with a clear bottom-line evaluation of the film

Attributed sources correctly, according to MLA format

Edited the paper carefully for errors

Work Cited for the film:

All the President’s Men. Dir. Alan J. Pakula. 1976. DVD.

Warner Bros. Entertainment. 2006.

PEER REVIEW ARGUMENT/FILM REVIEW

1.

GUIDELINES FOR THE FILM REVIEW – Spring 2008

Purpose: To evaluate and argue for or against the film

Audience: Choose a specific publication in which you would publish this review: a

newspaper, a magazine, or an online site. Name the specific publication you

have in mind. Remember: you must keep the audience of that publication in

mind and write for them.

Subject: Write a film review of the films named on the supplied list of films commonly

judged among the hundred best of all time.

The essay should include the following elements:

· An introduction, which could include background and contextual information

· A thesis statement that presents your argument (this should be underlined in your paper)

· A brief plot summary

· An analysis with specific evidence to support the analysis

· A conclusion that answers the bottom-line question: does the film provide an worthwhile viewing experience?

Requirements:

MLA Format (see pp. 211-212 of handbook)

A paper of 3-4 pages (6-8 paragraphs)

A Works Cited page

Folder with early drafts, Peer Review Guide and annotated copies of at least five

reliable secondary sources cited in the paper

Purpose page with a description of the specific audience and news source

Evaluation:

Your grade will be determined by how well you

Wrote an introduction that brings the reader quickly into the film

Stated your view on the film in a clear thesis statement (underlined)

Provided background or contextual information

Wrote a brief summary of the story containing only essential information that

does not reveal give away surprises, twists, or the ending

Included some comment on the visual elements of the film

Provided evidence to support your view of the film

Wrote in a professional and lively voice, without using clichés

Wrote for the specific audience selected

Concluded strongly with a clear bottom-line evaluation of the film

Attributed sources correctly, according to MLA format

Edited the paper carefully for errors

Joel Don Humphreys

Power Point Project

THESIS

It is difficult, impossible really, to teach anyone anything. However, learning is

a process that primates are capable of – if they desire to learn – and sometimes another

primate can assist with the learning process.

AUDIENCE

Jeffery Ritter and the Computer 1301 Class at Brookhaven College will be the crowd.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this project is a demonstration of a brief Power Point Slide Show.

A Day in the Barrel looks at an educational process practiced in one particular professor’s

time in the barrel. The slide show provides a helpful visualization of the learning

process actually taking place. It is that rare glimpse of one primate helping another

member of the group learn something useful – like …how to make faces… signal alarm

…and even show concern on the way to… maybe…just maybe… finding language –

which is rumored to be a strange set of symbols providing a map to the mysteries of the

universe ...or maybe it was …I forget now…something about the brain, whatever that is.

GUIDELINES FOR THE FILM REVIEW

Purpose: To evaluate and argue for or against the film

Audience: Choose a specific publication in which you would publish this review: a

newspaper, a magazine, or an online site. Name the specific publication you

have in mind. Remember: you must keep the audience of that publication in

mind and write for them.

Subject: Write a film review of the films named on the supplied list of films commonly

judged among the hundred best of all time.

The essay should include the following elements:

· An introduction, which could include background and contextual information

· A thesis that presents your argument (this should be underlined in your paper)

· A brief plot summary

· An analysis of the most significant critia, with specific evidence to support the analysis

· A conclusion that answers the bottom-line question: does the film provide an worthwhile viewing experience?

Requirements:

MLA Format (see pp. 211-212 of handbook)

A paper of 3-4 pages (6-8 paragraphs)

A Works Cited page

Folder with early drafts, Peer Review Guide and annotated copies of at least five

reliable secondary sources cited in the paper

Purpose page with a description of the specific audience and news source

Evaluation:

Your grade will be determined by how well you

Wrote an introduction that brings the reader quickly into the film

Stated your view on the film in a clear thesis statement (underlined)

Provided background or contextual information

Wrote a brief summary of the story containing only essential information that

does not reveal give away surprises, twists, or the ending

Included some comment on the visual elements of the film

Provided evidence to support your view of the film

Wrote in a professional and lively voice, without using clichés

Wrote for the specific audience selected

Concluded strongly with a clear bottom-line evaluation of the film

Attributed sources correctly, according to MLA format

Edited the paper carefully for errors

Brookhaven College

Fall 2007

English 1301

English 1301 -- (Section 2507)

English 1301 -- (Section 2509)

Composition

TR, 5:30-6:50 p.m., K122

TR, 7- 8:20p.m., K136

Instructor: Joel Don Humphreys

Voice Mail: 972- 860-7444 Ext. 1303

E-Mail: [email protected]

Office hours: by appointment

If a discussion is needed, I am available before or after class.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This is a common course number. Former course prefix/number ENG 101.

Prerequisite: Developmental Reading 0093 and Developmental Writing 0093 or meet TASP/Alternative Assessment Standard in Reading and Writing. This course focuses on student writing. It emphasizes reading and analytical thinking and introduces research skills. Student practice writing for a variety of audiences and purposes. (3 Lec.)

TEXTBOOKS

Blau, Susan and Kathryn Burak. Writng in the Works. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2007.

ISBN 10: 0-618-22211-1; ISBN 13: 978-0-618-222211-7

Kirszner, Laurie G. and Stephen R. Mandel. The Pocket Wadsworth Handbook.

3rd Edition. Boston: Thomson 2006. ISBN 1-4130-1170-5

Compliance with Core Curriculum Guidelines:

This English 1301 Course develops the following Core Curriculum Intellectual Competencies:

1 – READING: the ability to analyze and interpret a variety of printed materials – books, documents, and articles – above 12th grade level.

2 – WRITING: the ability to produce clear, correct and coherent prose adapted to purpose, occasion and audience – above 12th grade level.

3 – CRITICAL THINKING: think and analyze at a critical level.

4 – COMPUTER LITERACY: understand our technological society, use computer based technology in communication, solving problems, acquiring information.

This course also addresses the following Core Curriculum Educational Objectives:

1 – To understand and demonstrated writing and speaking processes through invention, organization, drafting, revision, editing and presentation.

2 – To understand the importance of specifying audience and purpose and to select appropriate communication choices.

3 – To understand and appropriately apply m odes of expression, i.e., descriptive, expositive, narrative, scientific and self-expressive, in written, visual and oral communication.

4 – To participate effectively in groups with emphasis on listening, critical and reflective thinking and responding.

5 – To understand and apply basic principles of critical thinking, problem solving and technical proficiency in development of exposition and argument.

Course Content and Evaluation Procedures:

Response (10%)

Description (10%)

Film Review (10%)

Argument (10%)

Test (10%) In class Essay (10%)

Test (10%) In class Essay (10%)

Research Project (20%)

Final Grade = Total 100%

Grading Scale: Evaluation Standards for Written Papers with Letter Grades

90-100=A A+ (100)

80-89 = B A (95)

70-79 = C A- (90)

60-69 = D B+ (88)

Below 60 = F B (85)

B- (80)

C+ (78)

C (75)

C- (70)

D+ (68)

D (65)

D- (60)

F (under 60)

Attendance and Course Requirements:

1. Attendance is expected at all classes. Unless previous arrangements have been made with the instructor, a grade of “0” will be recorded for missing a scheduled test. Students with more than three absences usually do not successfully complete this course.

2. Read the assigned material.

3. All assigned papers will be typewritten.

4. All papers will be submitted on or before the due date.

5. Late papers will not be accepted.

6. A research paper is required for completion of the course.

7. Any and all tests must be taken in a bluebook

8. Do not bring food or drinks into the classroom.

9. All phones and electronic devices will be turned off and put away before

entering the room.

Academic Honesty:

Since this is a writing course, one might be unclear about how sources can and cannot be used in your work. Please read the following carefully:

Plagiarism is using someone else’s words or ideas without giving credit and is a serious

Academic offense in America. It can range from:

· Turning in a paper any part of which you did not write,

· Cutting and pasting a paper together from various sources without attributing the sources correctly,

· Changing a few word but basically keeping most of the words and sentence structure of the original,

· Using the ideas of another without giving credit to the person who originally had the idea.

Collusion is working with someone so closely on your paper that large sections have been reworded by someone other than you.

Collaboration with others is encouraged in the writing process (getting ideas, planning, revision, editing), but the final paper should be entirely your own writing, and edited mostly by you. For example, you may get help with editing questions from the Center for Tutoring and Learning Connections, but the grade you get for editing your paper should reflect your ability to edit—not someone else’s.

Both plagiarism and collusion are serious academic offenses and offenders will be treated harshly. Do your own work. Don’t be foolish.

Where to go if you need additional help with your writing:

The College Learning Skills Lab is located in J-122 (Phone:972-860-4782). There you can receive free tutoring by appointment or on a drop-in basis. You can also sign kup for a College Learning Skills in Writing course for extra help on your papers.

Help with grammar and mechanics is available on line at:

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/

WITHDRAWAL/NON-ATTENDANCE

DCCCD Policy: If you are unable to complete this section of English 1302, it is your responsibility, not that of the instructor, to formally withdraw from English 1302. Withdrawing from a course is a formal procedure which YOU must initiate. I cannot do it for you. You may do this in Admissions or Counseling. If you stop attending and do not withdraw, you will receive a performance grade, usually an F. A “stop payment order on your check does not drop your classes. Final date to withdraw with a “W” is November 16.

SPECIAL INFORMATION

1. Students absent from class for observance of a religious holiday must notify

the instructor in advance. Please refer to the Brookhaven College Catalogue

“Student Obligations” section.

2. If you are a student with a disability and/or special needs who requires ADA

accommodations, please contact BHC College Disability Service Office.

3. The instructor has the right to add, delete, or revise segments of the course

syllabus.

COURSE CALENDAR

Dates and assignments may change as the semester progresses.

Details of individual assignments will be given in class.

WEEK ONE

8-27

Course Syllabus

Introduction to English 1301

The Paragraph

WEEK TWO

9/3

Reading and Writing

Read: Chapter 1 – The Writer’s Process

WEEK THREE

9/10

Critical Thinking

Read: Chapter 2 – Reading and Thinking Critically

WEEK FOUR

9/17

Grammar Review

Read: Chapter 18 – Common Errors

Writing Assignment Due

WEEK FIVE

9/24

Descriptive Writing/Narrative Writing

Read: Chapter 5 - Memoirs

WEEK SIX

10/1

Descriptive Writing

Peer Review

WEEK SEVEN

10/8

Writing Assignment Due

Film Review

Read: Chapter 11 – Film Reviews

WEEK EIGHT

10/15

Compare and Contrast Essay

WEEK NINE

10/22

TEST (Includes Essay Writing)

Argument Essays

Read: Chapter 7 - Editorials

WEEK TEN

10/29

Argument

Research Project

Read: Chapter 15 – Documentation, MLA

Read: Handbook p.169 – 177

WEEK ELEVEN

11/5

Research Project Process

WEEK TWELVE

11/12

Research Sessions

WEEK THIRTEEN

11/19

Research Project Due

WEEK FOURTEEN

11/26

Review and Presentations

WEEK FIFTEEN

12/3

Review and Presentations

WEEK SIXTEEN

12/10 EXAM WEEK – Test with Essay Writing