Student Learning Outcomes—upon completion of the assignment, student will have demonstrated the following:
1. Understanding and application of MLA style essay format
2. Understanding, application, and development of the basic five-paragraph essay structure
3. Understanding and application of prewriting techniques, drafting, revising, and polishing an essay
4. Ability to analyze visual and auditory “texts” in essay format
5. Ability to develop a supportable thesis statement with a topic outline
6. Understanding and application of standard written English conventions (grammar, punctuation, syntax . . .)
Requirements:
Paper length: 3-4 pages
Audience: College Freshman and your Instructor
Format: MLA (See your handout)
Topic: 1) Choose a music video from the list at the end of this handout to analyze in an academic essay, 2) find the lyrics by doing a
Google search (type in the song title and the word “lyrics”) and print them out for reference and to turn in with your paper, 3) Watch
your chosen video once for brainstorming; 4) then, watch it two or three more times and jot down any impressions you may have missed
the first time. (See preliminary handouts one and two.)
1. Next, develop a tentative thesis statement and a tentative outline for your paper. (See preliminary handout two.)
2. Then, write your first draft. I strongly suggest that you take at least one draft to the Writing Center or REAL Center for
feedback.
3. Proofread, revise, and re-write your paper as many times as it takes to make it the best paper you are capable of writing
before you submit it.
Further Requirements
1. Paper must be typed in MLA format
2. Use third person, present tense in this paper
3. Use the basic five paragraph essay structure that we went over in class to write this paper
a. Paper must have an underlined thesis statement with topic outline at the end of the introductory paragraph
b. Must have a centered title
4. Body paragraphs must have topic sentences that match the topics in the thesis statement in the order they are given in the
outline
a. Topic sentences (claims) must be supported by expository evidence in the body paragraphs, and “evidence” or support must come
from a combination of the visuals in the video and the lyrics to the song
b. You may use one outside source if you feel the need; however, check with me about incorporating citations and documenting the
source on a works cited page
c. Body paragraphs must end with a closing sentence
5. Use transitions between paragraphs
6. Name the song and the artist in both the introduction and again in the conclusion
7. A copy of the lyrics, all prewriting, a rough draft, two revised drafts, and the final, polished draft must all be turned in to
the instructor on the due date in a large manila (or other color) closable envelope
a. On front of the envelope, write your name, the instructor’s name (Prof. Johnson), and your course and section number
b. In pencil, write the number of each draft on the front page at the top of each first page; be certain to write “Final Draft” on
the final draft as this is the paper I will grade
8. In addition to the hard copy of the final draft, you must turn in the Final Draft (only the final draft) saved as a .doc or
.docx MS Word file via the Assignment link on BB by the beginning of class on the due date. If you submit the paper in another format,
I will probably be unable to open it. Therefore, a substantial point penalty will apply.
9. Remember: You can gain four points extra credit by taking at least one draft to the Writing Center or the REAL Center for
tutoring. However, you must turn in that draft along with the signed tutoring form. Additionally, you must make judicious changes to
the paper based on the advice given to earn extra credit points.
See the next page for list of songs/music videos.
Songs and videos to choose from for paper 1:
Sting, perf. “Fields of Gold.”
“Fields of Gold” Sting Music Video (Opens in a new window)
Tool, perf. “Schism.”
“Schism” by Tool Music Video (Opens in new window)
Louis Armstrong, vocal perf. “What a Wonderful World.”
“What a Wonderful World” Music Video (Opens in a new window)
Pink Floyd, perf. “Another Brick in the Wall.”
“Another Brick in the Wall” Pink Floyd (Opens in a new window)
Bruce Springsteen, perf. “Rocky Ground.”
“Rocky Ground” Bruce Springsteen Music Video (Opens in a new window)
Lee Brice, perf. “I Drive Your Truck.”
“I Drive Your Truck” Lee Brice Music Video (Opens in a new window)
Michael Jackson, perf. “Earth Song”
“Earth Song” Michael Jackson Music Video (Opens in a new window)
Tupac Shakur, perf. “Dear Mama.”
“Dear Mama” Tupac Shakur (Opens in a new window)
Blake Shelton – Ol’ Red (Song for the music video analysis essay )
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asxrMSVrJ08
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