Hi,
CLASS: COMM 175 – Criticism and the Public Arts
ASSIGNMENT DETAILS:
- Take-home paper
- Choose ONE prompt out of 5
- Length: about 6–7 full pages (double-spaced, normal college format)
FORMATTING EXPECTATIONS:
- Typed, double-spaced
- Normal font (Times New Roman, 12 pt)
- Clear structure: introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion
- Strong, clear argument (thesis)
- Good grammar, spelling, and organization
IMPORTANT:
- There is NO outside research required or expected
- The paper should be based ONLY on class materials
- NO ChatGPT or AI tools should be used in writing the paper
REQUIRED SOURCES (USE THESE ONLY)
MAIN BOOK (MOST IMPORTANT):
- The Plague (Albert Camus)
Link: https://s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com/luminist/EB/C/Camus%20-%20The%20Plague.pdf
SECONDARY BOOK:
- The Shape of Content (Ben Shahn)
(PDF provided) - Use quotes or ideas from the books to support the argument. Keep citations simple, like (Camus, The Plague, page #) or (Shahn, The Shape of Content, page #).
HOW TO USE THE SOURCES
The Plague:
- This is the MAIN source (most important)
- Focus on:
- characters (Rieux, Rambert, Tarrou, Cottard)
- themes (responsibility, selfish vs selflessness, morality, human behavior in crisis)
- Use specific examples from the story to support the argument
The Shape of Content:
- This is secondary (less important)
- You DO NOT need to read the whole book
- Just use a few general ideas, like:
- art communicates meaning
- art connects to real life and society
Class Discussions:
- Use general ideas discussed in class (morality, responsibility, modern “plagues”)
Films:
- Only use if relevant to the prompt (like Triumph of the Will or Night and Fog)
DO NOT USE
- outside articles
- outside research
- ChatGPT or any AI tools
Everything must come from the sources above.
GOAL OF THE PAPER
- Choose ONE prompt
- Take a clear position (your argument)
- Use The Plague as the main evidence
- Connect the ideas to the real-world situation in the prompt
- Explain reasoning clearly and logically
PROMPTS (SIMPLIFIED):
- Journalist in danger:
A journalist is in a violent situation and could be killed.
Should he leave to stay safe, or stay and report?
Focus: responsibility, selfish vs selfless, The Plague - 13-year-old rape victim:
A girl cannot legally get an abortion.
You are a doctor—do you help her anyway or follow the law?
Focus: morality, responsibility, The Plague - Stopping bad people:
People are exploiting others during a crisis.
Should extreme actions (even violence) be used to stop them?
Focus: justice, morality, The Plague - Nazi film debate:
A Nazi propaganda film is well made.
Can it still be considered “great”?
Focus: art vs morality - Nazi responsibility:
An old woman helped at Auschwitz but didn’t kill anyone.
Should she still be prosecuted?
Focus: responsibility, justice