Instruction
For this essay, you will respond to either one of these prompts, which are based on the in-class readings and viewings. Choose one of the following:
Prompt #1
Mad Men is a television show that portrays life in 1960s New York. Choose a movie or TV show that depicts a historical event (For example World War II, the Holocaust, or time period (Ex. The 1970s, Ancient Egypt). Write an essay that briefly analyzes the show/movie, focusing on why it is historically accurate or not. Some examples might include the 1960s civil rights movement in the movie Selma, World War II in Captain America or 1920s life in The Great Gatsby. You may choose to do the Mad Men pilot, but you will need to go more in-depth with your analysis.
Prompt #2
The essay “The wife beater” discusses the origins and stigma of a popular undershirt. Pick another social trend that is currently popular and write an essay discussing the trend’s positive or negative stigma. What is the origin of the stigma? Is this unique to American culture or is a worldwide trend? Thoroughly explain why the trend is popular and if it will continue. Some examples include baggy pants, cell phone etiquette in public places, or the mannequin challenge.
General format:
Intro paragraph – Offer a brief summary of the show/movie (or Mad Men pilot) in the introductory paragraph that includes the title of the essay, TV show, or movie that you are responding to and the name of the author. However, try to avoid focusing too much on plot summary. For option #2, it should include a brief account of the stigma, its origin, and what you will say about it. If you are responding to the Mad Men pilot episode, simply offer the title of the series and the episode. The thesis statement should come at the end of the introductory paragraph and will indicate a list of the general points you wish to make about the stigma or show.
Body paragraphs – The body paragraphs should offer a detailed response on each of the points that you’ve made within your thesis, citing from specific points within the reading (or providing specific examples from the pilot or other movie) or outside sources if necessary. *Note: Some outside research will be necessary for either prompt, so make sure that you are citing any sources in proper MLA format.
Conclusion paragraph – The conclusion will summarize your main points and provide adequate closing remarks.
Rules
You must have between 5-7 quality paragraphs, double spaced with the appropriate heading on the top left hand corner of the first page. Your heading should look like the following:
First name, Last name
Professor’s name
ENC 1102
Date paper is submitted written as day month year (Ex. 31 August 2016)
Reader response #1
Option 1 or 2 (whichever you choose)
First-person POV is allowed, but be cautious in how you use it.
The final draft must be typed, double-spaced and turned in to the online PAL Dropbox by the due date.
You must bring in a typed or neatly handwritten rough draft on the due date for peer review. Students who do not submit a rough draft and/or a completed peer review sheet will lose points off their final draft grade.
For any source material used in your essay, you must have proper MLA in-text parenthetical citations.
A properly formatted Works Cited page with a minimum of two (2) sources is required.
Works Cited Guide
Example citation from your textbook:
Fish, Stanley, “Getting Coffee is Hard to Do.” Patterns for College Writing: A Rhetorical Reader and Guide. 13th ed. Edited by Laurie G. Kirszner & Stephen R. Mandell. Bedford/St. Martin, 2010. pp. 287-288.