Film Society of Lincoln Center

College Writing I

ESSAY ASSIGNMENT 3: RESEARCHED ARGUMENT

Research and use a variety of sources to produce an insightful argument about
the meaning, function, and significance of a specific “monstrous” element of a
film of your selection i.e. your exhibit. Your analysis of the film must critically
engage with existing arguments about the film and theoretical “conversations”
related to the film. Your essay should show familiarity with the work of experts
and all sources should be documented using the MLA in-text citation method. A
strong essay of this sort typically draws on no fewer than seven (7) sources.
Put simply, you will write an “intellectual review” of your film, one that focuses on
a “monstrous” aspect of the film. To do so, you will need to situate your review
within at least three contexts:
– the sociohistorical context i.e. you must consider the sociopolitical and
historical factors that contribute to the exhibit’s popularity (or
unpopularity).
– the generic context i.e. you must evaluate the exhibit within the conventions
of the particular genres that define it.
– the existing map of opinion i.e. you must critically engage existing ideas
about your exhibit in order to develop your own original viewpoints.
Your review will be published by the Film Society of Lincoln Center in their
upcoming special issue that revisits contemporary films for their members across
the globe.
Goals:
● Continue to work on the goals from the first two assignments: use the
introduction to orient the reader and identify an intellectual
problem/question embodied in an appropriate exhibit; formulate a strong
main claim; establish a clear motive; maintain a coherent structure; support
your argument with evidence and reasons; write in a fluent and clear style;
smoothly integrate argument and theoretical sources; explain key terms; offer
an interesting and informative title.
● Contextualize your exhibit by using sources to frame it within:
o a specific sociohistorical context
o a specific genre, class, or trend
o a specific debate or scholarly conversation
● Make sure that the stance of your argument is clear—that readers know
where your essay stands in the existing conversation(s) about your exhibit.
● Analyze pertinent aspects of your exhibit(s) in order to draw cogent
conclusions.

College Writing I
● Offer an analysis of argument and theoretical sources, interpreting their
central claims, evaluating their arguments, and explaining their significance
in terms of your own claim.
● Reflect on and complicate your argument: consider counterevidence,
counter-interpretations, counterarguments, anomalies, and draw out
implications.
● Have an intriguing and informative title.
● Adhere to all relevant formatting guidelines described in the course
syllabus.
The final draft must be at least 1800 words.For more information on Film Society of Lincoln Center check on this:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_at_Lincoln_Center