I ALREADY HAVE THE RESOURCES AND LINKS
Students will select a dystopian text (film, TV series, novel and/or short story) of their choice to analyze more deeply. Specifically, your analysis should explore how your chosen dystopian text reflects any real-world themes, issues, concerns, fears, and/or warnings (or hopes!) about the future.
Be a minimum of 750 words, or at least THREE full pages, double-spaced, applying MLA formatting (font, header, spacing, margins, etc). ✓ Incorporate at least 2-3 relevant, SCHOLARLY sources from the library databases. One additional may be non-academic, but not required. Your essay should adhere to correct MLA style for all in-text citations. *Remember that sources may not match your thesis exactly and may not even mention your selected dystopian text! However, research should be relevant and meaningful as a lens that may be applied to your dystopia or to reflect the real-world issues reflected in your chosen text. ✓ Includes a list of Works Cited at the end of your essay that includes ALL research sources used and cited in your essay, formatted in accordance with MLA style – this includes your chosen text! ✓ Is structured in academic essay format, including an engaging INTRODUCTION; a clear THESIS, stated at/near the end of your introduction in 1-2 sentences, stating your essay’s central claim (your ‘reading’ of the film) that serves to ‘control’ your essay’s development; the BODY of your essay should develop your thesis in body paragraphs that are logically and effectively organized, using evidence (examples from the text/film and your research) and analysis to support your claim; and an impactful CONCLUSION. ✓ Undergoes a meaningful process of planning, drafting, revising and editing – see deadlines above and more on Process below.
Do not over-rely on research. A good balance to achieve for this assignment is roughly 25 – 35% research / 65 – 75% your own analysis and observations. ✓ Do not forget the usefulness of the PIE method for developing your body paragraphs! Stating a clear central Point, and then developing that point with both evidence (details from your dystopian film AND research – your Information) and your Analysis and Explanations will help you to achieve that effective balance of research above, and will result in focused, fully developed paragraphs supporting your thesis!