you need watch the film "Control Room (2004)" or The Revolution Will Not Be Televised (2003) before

Course Writing Standards

Students are advised to complete their writing assignments using the basic structure for an argumentative and expository essay. In short, this consists of:

a.) One introduction/thesis paragraph.

b.) Three or more examples or pieces of evidence, often written in three or more paragraphs. c.) One concluding paragraph that also provides a new insight on the topic addressed.

INTRO: general introduction of subject, ideas, and concepts to be covered THESIS: argument regarding subject, ideas, and concepts

an ideal thesis should address the following*: what: is being addressed (topic)

who: is addressing the topic (what resources, texts, or discourses are being used or referred to)

how: is the topic being discussed in the resources, texts or discourses

why: what is the issue here? = YOUR ARGUMENT FINALLY, your thesis-argument needs a punctuating statement that

answers the “so-what” factor, or why is this argument or these points you are making so significant?

*In some cases, a short thesis only needs the what, how, & why…

INTRO/THESIS

EVIDENCE EXAMPLE ANALYSIS

EVIDENCE EXAMPLE ANALYSIS

EVIDENCE EXAMPLE ANALYSIS

EVIDENCE EXAMPLE ANALYSIS

CONCLUSION

Essay Paper Presentation Standards For This Course:

Essay assignments for this course should be presented on typed pages (on one side only), with 3/4 to 1 inch margins, double space, and using the 12 point Times New Roman font. The assignment should have a heading in the top left-hand corner of the first page with the student’s name, the course number, the assignment and/or prompt number, and the date. Your essay should be given a proper title and all pages should be stapled together.

Writing Suggestions For This Course:

For essay writing in general, you should try to develop a “verbal finesse” that enables you to manipulate language and make your points clear, concise, and to the point. This can help when you need to explain or analyze a piece of literature or art, or mass media (i.e. an art piece, film, TV program, video, print media, or music), a social issue, or a concept—this is also called expository writing. In argumentative and expository essays, explaining or analyzing your examples form part of the larger process of supporting your essay’s thesis and arguments.

Some general writing suggestions to follow:

1.) Try to avoid using the first person (“I”). Although this may have been common practice in high school or in your first semesters at Cal State L.A., many upper division and graduate school professors may not accept it and may require the more formal (and purportedly “objective”) third person (e.g. “The history of Chinese Americans as indentured servants conveys..”), whether in a liberal arts essay or in a science lab report.

2.) Avoid beginning sentences with “And” or “It.” Both of these are words that either lead to run-on sentences, fragments, or make your ideas seem vague. Overall, they weaken your writing.

3.) Avoid generalizations in your writing (e.g. “All Mexicans immigrants are undocumented,” “Women are submissive.” “Men are ignorant”). Generalizations weaken your writing since they lack specificity and are factually untrue .

4.) Avoid generalizing words or adverbs such as “Obviously.” In this class you will learn that things aren’t so “obvious.”

5.) Avoid using the past tense (unless writing about a past situation or action) and the passive voice (e.g. “The text said..” or “On Thomas Jefferson’s plantation, slaves were kept.”). Use the present tense (“The article states..”) and the active voice (“Thomas Jefferson kept slaves on his plantation.”).

Your professor has undergraduate and graduate degrees in both expository and creative writing and you are encouraged to take advantage of this fact to further develop your own skills. When in doubt about your writing, please do not hesitate to come see your professor at office hours or make an appointment.

RESPONSE PAPERS:

For response paper assignments, you will receive a handout with 2 or 3 prompts, but you will only need to answer one of them. Your 2 to 3 page essay in response to the selected question should touch upon the following:

1. A concise exposition and analysis, in your own words, of the films, course material, concepts, and ideas relevant to the questions raised in the selected prompt. This portion of the essay should draw primarily from films, course readings, and the classroom lectures and discussions. The relevant material, concepts, and ideas should be appropriately applied to the topic or object of study in question from the selected prompt.

2. A reflection on the material you have addressed, wherein you should try to make connections with your personal knowledge, insights, and experiences. You may also address other examples of mass media that you have viewed or experienced that are relevant to the material you are discussing in your paper. Ideally, your reflection should appear in the last body paragraph or conclusion. If you choose to take a more sophisticated approach, your reflection may be placed elsewhere in your paper, so long as you meet the assignment’s requirements and produce a coherent essay.

Some words of caution: Do not provide just an opinion or a value judgment (e.g. “I thought this movie was boring” or “I thought it was too long”). Your essays must show an engagement of the films and course readings and demonstrate comprehension. You may also integrate some creativity if you become adept at following the required format described above.