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English 101
Essay Assignment #4:
Focused Argumentative Paper
Arguments are a part of everyday life and a major component of your college work. In fact, I believe you can
become a better citizen if you know how to disassemble arguments and create your own, as you will be able to make
choices for yourself and question those made by people around you or even in power. I also believe that if you
cannot argue your point, you are a detriment to your cause, as you must not only believe in something and support
it, you must also know why. So for this essay you must write a well-developed, cohesive paper that states a point
and supports it. Additionally, you must support your point with at least three sources (one pop source and two
scholarly sources), as knowing how to research an idea before arguing it is extremely important. In keeping with
the theme of pop culture and media, you may choose from the following options
1) Consider the reading Creating the Myth by Linda Seger and select a film of your choosing where
you examine the myths and archetypal characters in the film. Despite cultural backgrounds and
geographical separation, the myth is universal. It speaks to us all on the most basic human levels. A
good story be it a movie, comic, or book will incorporate the different aspects of myths. The question
that might guide your analysis here is: To what extent does it replicate, reinvent, or otherwise
complicate archetypal characters? You can also take your analysis deeper by examining gender roles
within the myth and the film you choose.
Ok Thesis: I will use Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone, because Harry follows the 10-points that
Linda Seger argues about in order to create a transformation into becoming a hero.
Better: Shrek is a lovable hero in that he is a nontraditional hero; he never starts out as mundane but
is able to gain a normal existence.
You may choose any film you like as long as it makes sense; for example, you can write an essay
identifying the myths behind the modern story Pretty Women or Juno. Ultimately, your analysis should
have a driving question such as: How might archetypal and mythic patterns explain the films
success? You may also take a slightly different approach and solely examine archetypal patterns in
characters. For example, you may examine the film the Hunger Games and focus particularly on
character types and analyze the films use of archetypes.
Make sure to include three sources (the film does not count as a source) that back up your analysis.
For this option, you must choose one film (or one trilogy) to analyze. No television shows. Apply
Ethos, Pathos, and Logos where appropriate.
Suggested reading for this prompt: Joseph Campbell A Hero with a Thousand Faces
2) Consider the reading Mystical Black Characters Play Complex Cinematic Role by Rita Kempley and
create your own argument about stereotypes in Hollywood. For example, Kemply suggests that magic
negroes are likable, valuable or redemptive and takes a somewhat dim view of the magic negro
stereotype. For this option, you will focus on a stereotype of your choosing. Whether you decide to
focus on Latinos in film, Asians in film, women in film, or men in film, your goal here will be to
examine how certain groups of people are stereotyped into certain roles. Make sure to be analytical and
express an opinion about the stereotype. Use Ethos, Pathos, Logos and think about what you want to
argue. For example, are you arguing for a change? Or do you think that people focus too much on these
issues when they should be focusing on entertainment and whether the films tell a good story?
Ultimately, do you think such stereotypes are significant in shaping or reflecting cultural attitudes? For
this option, you may bring in multiple films to prove your point, but make sure to focus on one
stereotype only.
3) Consider the readings on Reality Television and create your own argument. For this option, I want you
to take an anthropological perspective on how Reality Television is affecting our current culture. For
example, imagine hundreds of years from now, our society as we know it does not exist. All that future
anthropologists have uncovered are shows like Honey Boo Boo and The Bachelor. This is their sole
evidence to discern what our society was like. What do you think their conclusions will be? Make an
argument for HOW you think reality television is affecting our culture. Does it make people dumber?
Does it give people unrealistic ideas of how life should be? Does it offer ordinary people opportunities
that they might otherwise never get?

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4) Choose Your Own Adventure: Not interested in any of these topics? What do you want to write about?
I am open to you exploring other issues, but you must get it approved by me first. Before you come
speak to me, know that the following topics are banned and there is nothing you can do to change my
mind
Banned Topics: Abortion, Gay Marriage, Prayer in School, and other faith-based arguments. If
there is an element of faith in the argument, on your side or the opposition, choose a different topic.
Gun Control, Death Penalty, Euthanasia, Legalizing Marijuana, Animal Testing, Immigration,
Global Warming, or other weak, over-simplified topics that are done in high school all the time.

Essay #4 must adhere to MLA guidelines in order to receive full credit:

o Each essay MUST be typed, double-spaced, with a 1 inch margin on each side and a running
header with your last name and the page number in the upper right hand corner.
o Each essay must be a 12 pt. font (Times New Roman)
o Each essay must have your name, my name, the course name, and the date in the upper left
hand corner.
o Each essay must have a centered creative title. Do not underline it.
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Each essay must be at least five (5) full pages in length. Any paper not meeting the length
requirements will not be accepted.
Each formal out of class essay must be submitted to www.turnitin.com on or before the due
date
Each essay must make reference to at least three (3) outside scholarly sources. All sources
must be credible, relevant, and cited correctly both in-text and in an MLA formatted works
cited page. Additionally, you may not have any more than eight (8) sources total. (Include the
URL for online sources)
All essays must address a topic with a suitable scope for a short academic paper. If you are
unsure if your topic/scope is suitable, come to me and I will let you know. Make sure you do
not write on a topic I have forbade.
All essays must include at least one (1) counterargumentthat is, one point from the opposite
side of the argument along with your rebuttal.
The essay is not a narrative. Though personal and first-hand examples are potentially
acceptable in moderation, they should not take the place of outside sources. Use of first
person words, such as I, me, or my, is virtually unacceptable.
Avoid using the word you at all costs. Do not use it to describe people in general.

Late essays and/or essays that are not sent to www.turnitin.com will not be accepted for response and points.