(contributed by Darren Crovitz)

Task

For this assignment, you will write a 1000-1500 word essay that evaluates a cultural "text." When we use the word "text" in this way, we’re not just talking about books; we mean anything that carries a message, idea, or assumption. In this way, a text becomes anything we can analyze ("read") to find the underlying meaning and cultural commentary within. Some examples of texts might include the following:

• Articles, Novels, Books, Speeches
• Poetry
• Films
• TV programs
• Propaganda
• Architecture
• Songs
• Advertisements
• Performances
• Events
• Visual art (Painting, sculpture)
• Symbols

Purpose

Choose a text that offers a particular perspective on that idea. Your essay will be a review of this text. This means that in the essay, you will

• Fully describe the text
• Explain how the text deals with the topic (its position towards it)
• Examine the appeals, logic, reasoning, and evidence in the text
• Evaluate how well the text explores the topic, by discussing its assumptions, bias, and purpose
• Judge the credibility and the effectiveness of the text

Credible (credibility) means an argument is logically sound and well-supported with strong evidence.

Effective (effectiveness) means an argument works in convincing or persuading its audience. Many arguments that are effective are also credible…but there are also many that aren't.

Essentially, you will come to a stance on how well the text engages the topic and informs us about the issue.

Process

Process: You will use pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, and proofreading techniques to write this essay. Your rough draft will be evaluated by both the instructor and other students. All material and writing related to this assignment should be kept in your writing portfolio, which will also be evaluated during the course.