Your first essay assignment for this class is to write a 5 paragraph essay analyzing how a class (upper, middle, or lower) is represented in a television show. Use the chart we made in class to organize your thoughts while you are watching the program. Once you have completed the chart, check out these tips for how to get started thinking about a paper. Make an outline. Here are some ideas for how to make and use an outline. When you turn in your paper, you will be expected to turn in your chart, an outline, and the draft. The draft should be double-spaced, in Times New Roman font 12 pt, and your name, the date, your course and section, and my name should be in the upper left hand corner, single-spaced.
The Writing Prompt
Television shows are a common way that we learn about cultural norms. What class is represented by the television show you watched? Is it represented accurately? (Answering this question may require some research on your part.) What ideas about that class does the show give you, and do the ideas it gives you about one class imply something about another class? Why do you think this television show presents its particular ideas about class? Is it, for example, to make poor people feel better about being poor? To make middle class people nervous about losing money? To make wealthy people feel guilty about their wealth? Make sure you have a solid idea and argument. Good luck and happy TV watching!
