Instruction
For this assignment, you need to view the movie Monster (2003) and do independent research on Aileen Wuornos. Your paper should include the following:
Foundation information:
>Summarize the plot of the film & what you learned about her life and crimes through independent research
>Identify and briefly describe the key characters as some play a significant role in her life
Substantive Issues (this will be the majority of your grade):
>Critically examine and discuss the cause(s) of Aileen's offending presented in the film and based on what you learned. This should include considering to what extent Aileen's offending could be attributed to external/social causes (ex: family, peers, poverty, etc.) and internal/individual causes (ex: mental illness, greed, etc.). Use your textbook and any other source to make these connections. Evidence and examples MUST be provided to illustrate and support your analysis. You will be evaluated on how well you apply and demonstrate your understanding of course concepts and theory.
>In regards to the movie:
-Critically examine the images of Aileen and those close to her. Are these images realistic or stereotypical? Make sure you utilize examples.
-Discuss the likely effect of these images on the attitudes of viewers towards Aileen, other characters close to her, and criminal justice system personnel.
-Imagine the film with the same basic plot and characters, except the gender of Aileen is different (imagine her as a man). How might this alter the tone of the film, the viewer's attitude toward the characters (including the victims) and the overall moral of the film?
Self-editing checklist:
_____ Did you follow the assignment instructions?
_____Did you answer all of the questions and provide sufficient support (examples, details, research) for your answers?
_____Did you apply course concepts/theory?
_____Did you cite all of your sources as you used them? And at the end of the paper?
_____Did you read and edit your paper carefully before submitting?
NOTE: Please read the syllabus regarding APA formatting and turnitin.com. The 3-4 page suggestion is a minimum, but more than 5 pages is discouraged. For this assignment, journal articles are not required due to the nature of material. With that said, please use the movie, the textbook and other reputable sources (a minimum of 5) to build up your knowledge base about Aileen Wuornos. Do not just focus on her criminal acts or you will not be able to critically analyze what drove her to commit crimes. Her life history is important to research and understand.