CONTEMPORARY POPULAR CULTURE
Overview: We analyze many things in our world on a regular basis. This is your chance to delve deeper into the analytical process. Your task to analyze a specific element of contemporary popular culture–a film, TV show, song, book, podcast, piece of art, etc.* While a rough draft is not required, I strongly suggest you carefully plan your writing, complete a draft, and engage in focused revision before submitting. I am happy to give you feedback on your ideas or draft if you wish. Final drafts will be processed through Turnitin. Be mindful to submit your own original work that has not be submitted for a previous class. Format: Write your analysis in MLA format–four line heading, header with last name and page numbers, double-spaced, one-inch margins, Times New Roman, and a Works Cited pagewhich should include the specific piece you are analyzing). Integrate quotes, paraphrase, and cite sources according to MLA guidelines.[unique_solution] Directions: Write a 800-1375 word (3-5 page) analysis of one of a specific piece of contemporary pop culture. First, select a contemporary (meaning something that has been produced in the last 10 years or so) film, TV show (including Netflix original series, etc.), song, book, podcast,or piece of art to work with. Whatever you select should be fairly well-known or “popular.” Do not select an obscure reference for this assignment. The point is that the piece has wide appeal for some reason. Next, you will offer a deep, critical analysis of the selection. For example, you might consider how a particular song illustrates how today’s youth is disillusioned with the government. Or, you might analyze how a specific book popular with young people reflects a growing acceptance and understanding of the LGBTQ community. Maybe a TV show/Netflix series demonstrates a growing political and social divide. Choose an element of popular culture you are already familiar with. But, it doesn’t necessarily need to be something you like. You might find some song/show/film, etc. to be disturbing in some way and perhaps you’d like to analyze that. Your essay should be focused around a clear claim (thesis). Body paragraphs must support your claim with specific details and deep analysis. Please review the rubric below. Outside Sources: Your submission should have a Works Cited page that includes a reference to the film/song/book/TV show, etc. that you have selected. You may choose to use additional outside sources, but it is not required. Be sure to properly cite any additional sources you use.