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 1^st for the Pregrading Workshop

Final Draft: Tuesday, February 6th (including posting to the Class Bulletin Board).