answered: You may write about Black Panther in a comic book, graphic n

  

You may write about Black Panther in a comic book, graphic novel, or film, for example, but not
Ryan Coogler’s 2018 film.
Once you have decided upon a depiction of either utopia or dystopia that will be the subject of
your analysis, make an argument that applies class concepts to the work. For example, as noted
in Ecotopia, why might sustainability to necessary to utopia? What does the transformation of
Batman’s character in The Batman say about the way we can react to injustice in society? Is
Wakanda truly a utopia in Black Panther? Is the concept of utopia something that we can even
realize and, if not, why is it important that we study it nevertheless to better understand ourselves
and the role of the arts in making a difference in society?
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Feel free to explore the intersection of literature and other fields in your essay. For example, if
you cannot find articles specific to Ecotopia, then you might look for articles related to
sustainability, women’s rights, the impact of pollution on the environment, and so on.
The work on which students will focus their arguments is called a primary source.
Students may choose a novel, short story, poem, comic book, painting, sculpture, film, video
game, and so on, as their primary source. Nevertheless, do consider the following tips in
selection of a primary source:
1. The instructor does not recommend choosing a novel that you have not yet read unless you
feel confident that you will have time this semester to read the work in its entirety. When writing
about a novel, use specific examples from particular chapters and paragraphs; avoid retelling the
entire plot of the novel as this will readily lead to summary rather than analysis. Students might
be better served using a short story, poem, or other shorter literary work rather than a novel.
2. Students who choose visual arts (for example, a painting or sculpture) should realize that they
will need to analyze specifics from the work in presenting their argument.
3. As with many of the other works mentioned above, students writing about film will need to
analyze specifics from the film to make their argument; do not simply summarize the plot of the
film. Consider analyzing dialogue, the performance of an actor or actress, use of camera angles,
use of music, and so on.
4. Though this suggestion comes last, students who select a video game should take particular
care as constructing an argument based upon a game can be especially tricky.
Unless you are also involved with a course of study that stresses video game design, it might be
best not to select a video game for the short essay.
We are not seeking an overview of what happens in the game, or an overview of game play.
Instead, analysis of a game involves creating an argument concerning why the game presents a
monster in a certain manner.
As already noted, students should present an argument in line with their chosen work. This
argument, or “thesis,” should be clearly stated in the essay’s introduction.
Note that a thesis should be more than a statement of opinion or topic. Instead, the thesis should:
• State the writer’s viewpoint.
• State why the writer holds this viewpoint.
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• State the significance of the viewpoint. Why is it important?
Students should use subsequent, or body, paragraphs of the essay to provide support for the
argument. Again . . . take care to avoid merely summarizing a work. For example, avoid a
paragraph such as the following:
Matt Reeves’s The Batman explores the distinction between vengeance and justice in the
development of Batman’s character. Early in the film, Batman defines himself as
“vengeance.” We see this when he confronts the Skull gang threatening the subway
commuter. By the end of the film, Batman realizes that he must be more, that he must be
“justice” in the manner that he saves others.
This paragraph merely recounts a few vague examples from Reeves’s film without explaining
them in detail. The connection between analysis of examples and argument is implied where it
should be explicit.
Secondary sources are sources written about your primary work, and may be used to help
students support their analysis of the primary work.
For example, Ecotopia is a primary source.
Regan Haulotte’s “Ecotopia or Bust” offers analysis of this book. Haulotte’s journal article
would be a secondary source.
In terms of the total number of sources needed for the essay, students should use:
• Five total sources.
o One primary source
o Four secondary sources
1. Only one secondary source may come from a generalized Internet search, Google, for
example.
2. The majority of your secondary sources, then, will come from online books and databases
available through the library.
3. Remember that some secondary sources might not seem to relate directly to your analysis of
utopia or dystopia in a work. Do not disregard these sources. For example, an article about
vigilantism might never mention The Batman. This article would still be of use to me, however, if
I am arguing how Reeves’s film might be used to help us better react to injustices that we see in
society.
Students who elect to use additional secondary sources beyond the requirements of this
assignment are welcome to do so, but should be aware that these sources will need to be cited.
Building upon this idea, do consider the short length of the essay. It is better to use fewer
sources in more detail. Using fewer sources in more detail is also an excellent way to give more
potential for avoiding summary.
The short essay’s conclusion should restate the thesis and the key points of the argument.