Cultural Criticism and Transformation CR

Assignment Objectives

Enhance and/or improve critical thinking and media literacy skills by:

1. Developing a clear and concise thesis statement (an argument) in response to the following question: Does the film have the power to transform political sensibilities?
2. Writing an outline for a five-paragraph analytical essay building on a clear and concise thesis statement, including topic sentences and secondary supports.
3. Identifying and explaining three scenes from the film text in support of the thesis statement/argument.
4. Writing an introductory paragraph for the outlined analytical essay.

Note: You are NOT writing a full essay; rather, you are outlining an analytical essay by completing the sections below.

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Step 1 – MLA Citation

Using proper MLA bibliographic formatting, cite the film text.

Example format: Film title. Dir. First Name Last Name. Distributor, Year of Release. Medium.

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Step 2 – Thesis Statement

• Develop a thesis sentence pertaining to the assigned film text and whether or not it, the film, in your view has the power to transform one’s political sensibilities.
• Your argument should express your point of view regarding the politics of difference, political sensibilities, and political transformation(s) as related to the film.
• You must integrate the following Key Terms in your response: Power, Political Sensibilities, and Transformation. (No synonyms.)
• Submit your thesis statement in one clear sentence.

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Step 3 – Topic Sentences

• Develop three (3) topic sentences that articulate the major ideas that will comprise the body of your essay.
• Each topic sentence should clearly state the argument or point to be made in the respective paragraph.
• Each topic sentence must map back to your thesis statement.

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Step 4 – Scenes from the Film

• Identify three (3) scenes from the film that support your thesis statement.
• For each scene:
  • Provide the exact time the scene begins and ends within the film text.
  • Briefly explain why you chose the scene and how it specifically supports your thesis statement.
  • Example phrasing: “I chose the scene because it advances my argument by …” or “I chose the scene because it clearly makes my point that …”

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Step 5 – Introductory Paragraph

• Fully develop an introduction paragraph for your outlined essay.
• The best possible thesis will answer some specific question about the text. In this case, a question related to the film’s power to transform political sensibilities regarding difference.
• Insert your thesis sentence/statement in parentheses within the introduction paragraph.

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Writing Conventions (must follow)

• Place the thesis and each topic sentence in underline.
• Always use present tense verbs in your analysis.
• Avoid narration (past tense).
• Use specific passages/scenes from the text as evidence. Direct quotes are strongest.
• Avoid dictionary definitions, generalizations about “life” or “society,” and painfully obvious statements.
• Think of the intro paragraph as a funnel leading to your thesis.

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Grading Rubric (key checks)

1. Did I properly cite the film text using MLA format?
2. Did I directly answer the professor’s question (“Does the film have the power to transform one’s political sensibilities?”) and use the required terms: Power, Political Sensibilities, Transformation?
3. Did I provide start and end times for three scenes and explain clearly how each supports my thesis?
4. Did I fully develop an introduction paragraph and insert my thesis sentence in parentheses?
   
   
   Cultural Criticism and Transformation, bell hooks
   Here is the movie/ film link https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mIovgP2ULDRtQhbGA...