Essay 4 Guidelines

WRITING ASSIGNMENT 4: TV or FILM Analysis

For this final writing assignment you will create a digital presentation (such as a Prezi OR Powerpoint):

              Choose a movie or TV show to analyze. Create a presentation in which you analyze a particular theme, the message being sent. For example, what is this film or TV show saying  about: (Choose one area on which to focus):

Violence

Death

Love

Religion

Race

Power

Freedom

These are just possible topics. There may be a topic that is not listed that central to the film or TV show you will analyze. That is fine. You can choose your own topic as well.

OR 

You can focus on a character and discuss how and why they change. Maybe it’s related to one of the themes above (or maybe a different issue). For example, Walter White from Breaking Bad might be an interesting character to analyze. What causes him to change?

 You can begin by brainstorming about any or all of the areas listed here. Then try to focus on your strongest idea. Your thesis will make a claim about the main message (as you see it) being sent. What is being said about love (for example)? Or about violence or religion (again, as an example)? What is the importance of the message?

You will then support your claim/thesis by providing specific examples from the film or TV show. Be sure to then explain the significance of the example, or scene you are describing. Always remember to address the “so what? Who cares? Why does it matter?”

 SOME GUIDELINES 

·         Include compelling Images

 ·         Don’t put too much text on one slide – Adjust your writing for the occasion

  ·         You will have a main point you are making (just like we’ve learned this semester)

 ·         Support your point with reasons, graphics, and interesting evidence

 ·         Have fun with it J

·         10-15 slides (remember to include a works cited slide)

Suggested Structure of Presentation:

 An introduction that includes:

· a brief summary of your film or TV show….just enough to establish the context. (Remember, you‘ll need to advance an argument, not the plot).

· a clear thesis that makes a claim about the film or TV show.

The body of the presentation should include:

 · several examples of support that advance your argument . Discuss specific images, scenes, characters or events that prove the claim you make in your thesis. WARNING: Be careful to avoid merely re-telling the plot of the film/tv show. Your focus should be on ANALYZING images and the message/theme. 

The conclusion:

 · should reveal what’s important about the message (theme) conveyed in the film or TV show you analyzed. Try not to merely repeat what you’ve already said, but address the “so what, who cares, why does it matter.”