Choose a topic covered in the class. Next focus on a set of at least FIVE (5) texts FROM THE SYLLABUS, including at least one designated as a ‘further’ reading/watching/listening on the syllabus. You can draw on more sources but must at least use five from the syllabus.
Write a short critical analysis in response to the texts: it must be 500 – 800 words. You can write about each text in turn or analyse the texts together, for example, in comparison to each other; this is up to you.
This is not simply your ‘opinion’: this is your critical analysis. Ask critical questions:
- Who is writing and why? What is the intended effect or goal?
- What is the main argument or central thesis of the text in a 1-2 sentence summary?
- How is the text related to concepts, ideas and issues discussed in the course? For example, what points made in the course textbook, class discussions, or lectures are treated more fully in the work?
- Does the text add a new interpretation of specific concepts or data?
- How is the text related to present day events, politics, experiences etc?
- Did the work increase your understanding of a particular issue? Did it change your perspective in any way? Or is it outdated?
- What is/are the weakness/es of the text? Is it missing an important view point or area of research/evidence/data?
- To what extent does the text fulfil its goal or how effective is it? Have you learned something? Changed your mind? Has it raised particular emotions in you?
