Task
For the final written composition of the course, you will compose an essay that explores how and why literary elements or devices in the text contribute to a theme. You will support your original thesis with secondary source material. Using the pre-writing and outlining skills from Unit 2 in conjunction with a close reading and analysis, your final essay will demonstrate your understanding and application of the content of the course in a written product.
Part 1
Conduct a close reading of one of the films assigned by your professor for this unit, being careful to take notes and record specific evidence with time stamps for easy reference.
NOTES:
Cataloging textual evidence for visual media may require multiple viewings and careful note-taking on the elements or devices specific to film.
Do not use any of the texts used in sample assignments or instructional videos in this course.
Part 2
Reflect back to your feedback from Modules 10 and 11 on your working thesis, being careful to consider all suggestions and comments made by your professor to compose a finalized version of your thesis statement that identifies a theme and considers how the text supports the theme through the use of literary devices or elements specific to film.
Part 3
Using your thesis from Part 2, begin pre-writing and outlining to organize your supporting points on how and why the literary devices and elements in a film support a specific theme so you may show the overall significance of that connection. Remember that your body paragraphs should follow the MEAL plan as covered in Unit 2, as that will ensure that your argument is well-developed and supported. Once you have written your working thesis and basic outline, begin drafting your essay, being mindful to integrate textual evidence from both your primary text (the film) and a scholarly source (see below), and provide analysis to explain how and why each piece of evidence supports your thesis.
Part 4
Identify a scholarly source that supports your thesis; you may opt to use the source you used in Module 11, or you may select a new source. Be mindful that you integrate the secondary source into your argument as supporting material for your own argument rather than allowing it to stand alone without commentary or analysis. Be sure to properly introduce the source prior to citing or paraphrasing from its content. This introduction can be as simple as identifying the author and title of your source prior to use and citation.
NOTE: Be sure to integrate your source correctly, using proper signal phrases and citations, and use the source only to support your own, original argument and not as inspiration or the foundation for your argument.
Part 5
You may use an AI grammar checker for this assignment, but you must document and disclose your use fully, including:
Submitting your first draft to this drop box as a separate, typed document
Use of in-text citations for any areas where changes were made
Use of a works cited entry for the AI tool
Inclusion of a working session link OR screenshots showing your full revision history. Grading Criteria
Specificity and development of synthesized ideas about the text
Supporting research, evidence, logic, and organization
Quality of writing, to include paragraph development and organization (topic sentences, conclusions, transitions, etc.)
Your engagement with the text and how you explain the significance of your examples; your choice and synthesis of supporting quotations;
Format: You are required to use the current MLA style for all writing assignments. This includes proper MLA citation and a correctly formatted Works Cited page (12-point font, Times New Roman, double spacing, last name and page number in the header on each page, etc.). Please refer to the Purdue Online Writing Lab for the MLA Style guide. View the sample essay in this module to see an example of a correctly formatted document.
Academic Honesty: All sources MUST be appropriately cited. All quotes must be represented accurately
