Media Evaluation
PURPOSE: To hone your analytical and critical-thinking skills by using close-reading strategies in thecontext of evaluating media representations of race, gender, and sexualityASSIGNMENT: Write an essay that evaluates a recent TV episode, feature film, short story, or comicthat features one (or more) Asian American woman or transgender or gender-non-conformingcharacter.KEY FEATURES OF EVALUATIONCriteria for evaluation: Focus on how race intersects with gender and/or sexuality. What does thecharacter/storyline say about specific historical events, laws, labor practices, and sociohistoricatraditions or behaviors? What do you think is the broader cultural impact of the character/storylinein the United States? How does it differ from earlier depictions of Asians and/or Asian Americans(as outlined by the documentary films Slaying the Dragon and Slaying the Dragon Reloaded)?Concise description of the subject: Include just enough information to let readers understand whatthe subject is; the goal is to evaluate, not summarize. For example, briefly describe the media text’smain plot points in your essay’s first paragraph, only providing what readers need to understandthe context of your evaluation.Knowledgeable discussion of the subject: Show that you have thought thoroughly about your textand perhaps that you’ve researched what other authoritative sources have to say (such as filmreviews or book reviews).Balanced and fair assessment: A fairevaluation need not be all positive or all negative; it maacknowledge both strengths and weaknesses.Well-supported reasons (i.e. evidence): You need to argue for your judgment, providing reasonswith evidence such as plot, characterization, recurring images, scenes, and themes; in other words,support your reasons with quotations and examples from the media text.FORMAT:• 4-5 pages in length, typed and double-spaced (at least 1,300 words)• 12-point standard font• 1-inch margins all around• For this paper, use MLA formatting and documentation style (consult your writing handbookor https://owl.english.purdue.edu/ for help on MLA style; consulthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24Y31UrG2q4 for a video on MLA essay formatting)
