BCST 330 OUTLINE AND ESSAY FORMAT GUIDELINES
I. Introduction - Thesis Statement (1 - 2 paragraphs)
Your introduction is like a sign post or a map at the beginning of a trail. It tells readers where you are going to take them, what ideas you will explore, and what they will see along the way. It should create a feeling of anticipation and interest.
Your introduction announces to your readers the thesis of your essay
- your thesis is the main idea about the film that you intend to prove through your essay's argument.
Ask yourself:
* What is my thesis?
• Who are my readers? What do they know and believe?
* Why is my thesis important? Why will anyone care to read my exploration of this thesis?
* How do I want my readers to respond to my thesis and to my exploration of it?
• Does my thesis statement identify my film's title, my film's dominant documentary mode
Pointers:
• Open your introduction with some background information that will lead the reader toward an
appreciation and understanding of your thesis?
* State your thesis at the end of your introduction.
• As you formulate your thesis, make a list of exemplifying points from the film. Organize those
exemplifying points into a logically flowing and persuasive argument that supports and proves your
thesis (see "ill. Body Part 1" below).
II. Film Synopsis (1 - 2 paragraphs)
The film synopsis simply describes the basic argument of the documentary and identifies the film's main social actors, main conflicts, and main course of events. The film synopsis does not include interpretation or analysis; it serves only to introduce the documentary to the reader who
has not seen it.
III. Body Part 1 (2 - 3 pages)
The body of the essay moves the reader along toward the goal ofyour argument, which is to prove your thesis. It will have a number of paragraphs, each paragraph related to one of your exemplifying points from the film which you want to explain to the reader along the way toward proving your thesis. Each exemplifying point will take more than one paragraph to develop completely. There should be connections or transitions made as you move from one paragraph to the next to help your reader follow the logic of
your argument.
Ask yourself:
• What exemplifying points do I want to explain in order to help my readers understand my thesis?
* What examples can I use from the film's stylistic, argumentational, and/or character designs to help my
reader understand each exemplifying point?
* What evidence do I have that each exemplifying point and its examples are reliable interpretations of
the film?
* Am I keeping the reader interested in following my development of my ideas?
IV. Body Part 2 - In-Depth Sequence Analysis (2 pages)
The in-depth sequence analysis is the detailed analysis of a representative sequence from the film which encompasses the fullest possible demonstration of the uses of the Two chosen Film techniques discussed in
Body Part I. The in-depth sequence analysis drives home the points of your arguments and claims in Body
Part I and reinforces the validity of your thesis statement.
V. Conclusion (2 - 3 essay paragraphs)
The conclusion is the end of the journey. It looks back on the points you have shown the reader, and
reinforces, but does not simply repeat word-far-word, the thesis. In other words, your conclusion
summarizes the main points and the logic by which your argument has proven your thesis.
Ask yourself:
• Has the reader's mind been changed by following my points and examples? How so?
VI. Works Cited (1 page not to be counted toward the 5 page essay requirement)
This assignment requires that the 3 minimum references (6 minimum for graduate students) be incorporated within the body of your essay. In other words, you will use your research references to support aspects of your argument by including direct quotations and/or concept references and roll will refer the reader to the publication source, authors and pages where the original quote or concept can be
found.
See MLA and APA Style Sheets for correct reference citation formats. You must consistently follow either the MLA or the APA format throughout your essay.
Before writing your essay, you will outline the logical sequence of your essay's argument as follows:
1. Introduction - Thesis Statement
II. Film Synopsis
III. Body Part I
A. Major Exemplifying Point I: State in one sentence the primary argument you will make in this
portion of the essay.
I. First supporting example
a. First supporting detail
b. Second supporting detail
2. Second supporting example
a First supporting detail
b. Second supporting detail
B. Major Exemplifying Point 2: State in one sentence the primary argument you will make in this
portion of the essay.
I. First supporting example
a. First supporting detail
b. Second supporting detail
2. Second supporting example
a First supporting detail
b. Second supporting detail
IV. Body Part 2 -In-Depth Sequence Analysis
Identified in your outline by its number and title that must correspond to the number and title given
it in your sequence breakdown.
V. Conclusion
VI. Works Cited
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