As evidenced by a distinct lack of enthusiasm for writing essays and lack of
effective writing skills, students will be embarking on a writing project in class.
Students will also be able to work on their proficiency with Microsoft Word, as the final product will be completed
on that software, and handed in to the website www.turnitin.com. Students will also learn
to effectively peer-edit their comrades’ work and suggest clearer ways of communicating their message. Therefore, the
bulk of this grade will be based on proficiency of skills, not just content.
Essay Question:
Analyze the historical
accuracy of the movie Cry Freedom. In other words, are the characters and events
consistent with what you have learned about Apartheid in South Africa? How might
this movie’s content relate to Black History Month? Also, has this movie
changed your views on tolerance and acceptance of other people’s differences throughout history?
Timeline:
February 7 – intro
project & start movie
February 7-10 – finish
movie & review notes
February 15 – working
bibliography due
February 17 – outline,
including thesis, due; review in class
February 22 – rough
draft due; review in class
February 27 – Final
draft plus bibliography due to turnitin.com
Grade Breakdown:
Movie Notes = 10 points
Bibliography = 10 points
Outline = 15 points
Rough draft = 25 points
Final draft = 30 points
Peer Editing = 10 points
____________________
Total = 100 points
Final Thoughts:
I know that each one of
you will improve many of your learning skills through this project. Some of you
may find this project to be very challenging as much of it will be accomplished in class, and you have not had as much practice
writing essays as I would like. Therefore, keep persisting, and definitely don’t
be afraid to ask me for extra help with this assignment. Remember, it is the
process and skills that I am looking as well as the content or “accuracy.”
All of the following Student Examples are in .pdf files, so please use Adobe Acrobat Reader
to view them.
