Assignment 3: Film, Music, or Restaurant Review
Critical thinking and popular culture
EngC 1011 University Writing and Critical Reading
Kevin L. Callahan
EngC 1011 Writing Instructor
call0031@tc.umn.edu
(612) 623-7685
Educational Goals:
Educated writers should be able to write well in a variety of public forums and know how to address diverse audiences. University trained writers should be able to identify and think critically about the various types of recommendations and arguments regularly seen in written media, spot any fallacies in reasoning, clearly articulate a position with support, and be able to respond in writing.
Film, Music, or Restaurant Review (2-3 pages): Critical thinking and popular culture.
Students may choose to do either a Film, Music, or Restaurant Review.
The Final Draft should be posted on the Class Bulletin Board.
Writing Reviews of Popular Culture: A Checklist "Starter Kit"
Possible evaluative criteria.
For Movies:
1. the acting
2. cinematography (filming)
3. costuming
4. directing
5. special effects
6. script (similarity and differences to the book, etc.)
7. plot (e.g. believability, interest, "freshness", etc.)
8. casting
9. length
10. character development
11. degree of audience interest
12. degree of engagement with the characters
13. other criteria
For Music:
1. sound quality of the performance
2. atmosphere of the venue
3. energy of the performers
4. visual interest of props, clothing, or sets
5. use of lighting and special effects
6. responsiveness of the crowd
7. quality of the sound mixing
8. pace, variety, and choice of music
9. comparison with past performances and other performers
10. length of the performance
11. price for the experience
12. other criteria
For Restaurants:
1. service (speed, friendliness, competency, etc.)
2. food (creativity, presentation, etc.)
3. cleanliness
4. atmosphere (space, lighting, comfort of chairs, etc)
5. price
6. parking
7. comparison to similar available restaurants
8. other criteria
Assigned: Tuesday, January 23rd
Course Points: 40 points
DUE DATES:
First Draft: Tuesday, January 30th (original and 3 copies for the Editing Practice/Peer Review).
Second Draft: Thursday, February 1st for the Pregrading Workshop
Final Draft: Tuesday, February 6th (including posting to the Class Bulletin Board).