In a 3-page essay, create a thesis and argument centered on a topic, idea, or theory (e.g. Feminism, video art, the idea of "separate but equal") you have studied thus far in class. In your thesis, you should consider at least two class readings that express differing arguments or perspectives on your subject. In the following paragraphs, use class readings, discussions, videos and other media to create a series of secondary arguments to support your thesis. Your essay should contain the following components:

1. Introduction with a thesis statement. First, state an argument or thesis from the class readings and identify its source (e.g. Art historian Linda Nochlin argues that the answer to her question: "Why have there been no great women artists?" lies in the art institutions and art education that have historically been "stultifying, oppressive, and discouraging to all those, women among them, who did not have the great fortune to be born white, preferably middle class; and above all, male.”) Second, connect it another idea or theory from class (e.g. In her interview in Women of Vision, artist Carolee Schneemann describes a form of consciousness, which she calls "the double knowledge of being a criminal instigator in your own culture, burrowing within to find out what had been denied and hidden. I wondered, 'Had there ever been other women artists? If so, where were they? And why was I both encouraged and discouraged?'”) And then state your own thesis (e.g. Looking at and comparing the videos from the U.S. feminist art movement, I argue that women artists had to work outside of the hegemony of the art world and create their own institutions in order to find their 'voice' as artists.) Follow your thesis with a few sentences that outline the supporting arguments you will develop in the following paragraphs.
2. Supporting paragraphs - in the following 2-3 paragraphs, present the evidence, facts, theories and analysis to support your thesis argument. Use examples of film and videos we have viewed in class thus far to support your argument.  You are required to include at least two examples from class in your discussion, but you can include more. Outside sources, if relevant, can also be introduced to support your thesis argument, but they are not required. Describe, reflect upon, and analyze these media examples.  Use your findings to support your argument.  Be specific – include correct titles, dates of production, and names of directors; and describe specific scenes, characters, or other formal elements.
3. Include historical information, theories, and other critical frameworks from class readings to help support and develop your argument.  Reference these discussions and debates in the construction of your own argument.  If you are not sure how to do that, look at how the authors we read (e.g. Lee) reference other scholarship and sources in their articles.  All reference, quotes and sources must have proper citation—use a standard citation format, such as the Chicago Manual or MLA style, in documenting them (see A Writer’s Reference or OWL, or make an appointment at the Writing Center to get feedback)
4. Conclusion - this is where you wrap up your discussion, reconsider your thesis, and end your essay with other conclusive statements.

All papers have to be typed and double-spaced. Please use fonts that are 12 to 10 points in size. The document should have 1 inch margins on the sides, and 1-0.5 inch margins on the top and bottom. Please hand in the assignment in your Sakai Drop Box. All assignments should be in MS Word format (with a ".doc" or ".docx" suffix) Assignments are due by 5PM the day of the deadline.

All class videos are available for viewing on the Sakai Playlist

Your grade will be based on your ability to present and support your argument.  In addition, your description and analysis of media examples, as well as your use of readings and other sources to support your thesis will also be considered in my assessment.  Write simply and clearly.  Look up unclear words before you use them. Spell-check, proof read and edit your paper more than once before handing it in, I highly recommend you bring the paper in to the Writing Center and get feedback on it.

Please turn the paper in on time, and follow the format I outlined: papers that are too long or too short, late papers, hand-written papers, etc. will lower your grade.

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