Definition

Writing and Submission Requirements

Due: Thursday, July 17th by 9:30am
Length: 1100 words

Format: Academic-specific citation style. 12-pt Times New Roman font, double spaced, 1" margins, name and date, paginated

Submission: Turn in to Turn It In and turn in as a hard copy at the beginning of class. Include all drafts, brainstorming, and peer reviews in a labeled folder. Working drafts should be in the left pocket with the final draft in the right pocket.
Point Value: 100

Assignment Prompt and Context

For this assignment, you will define a term related to the Gothic and its various representations in popular culture. Given the short length of the paper, remember that specificity is key. "Gothic" is incredibly broad, so "gothpop," "horrorcore," "torture porn," "mermaid," or "witchcraft," might be easier to cover adequately. The range of possibilities here is immense, so choose thoughtfully what aspect of the Gothic you will write about.

Additionally, you will incorporate at least one (but no more than three!) sources into your paper. You will only use these sources to further your argument -- you will provide your own definition, so do not cite a dictionary, Wikipedia, or other similar online encyclopedia. 

The following criteria will be necessary to address throughout the essay:

• Define necessary terms to make the argument
• Provide a specific, thoughtful, original, and defensible definition/definitions
• Compare and contrast your definition with another author's definition
• Explore the larger context within which your term appears
• Explain the significance of defining the term
• Remember your audience! For this essay, your instructor is your audience, so your writing should remain academic. 

Since we are still in the early stages of understanding what the Gothic is, you are open to choose one of the following prompts to write on. Of course, you do not have to choose one of these prompts, as you are free to write on whatever topic you like.

Film and television:

• What is a mean girl? (Mean Girls)
• What is the bohemian spirit? (American Horror Story: Coven)
• Is Edward Cullen a stalker? (Twilight, New Moon, or Eclipse)
• What Gothic tropes are present in Tyler Perry films? 

Fashion:

• Is Young Jeezy's Snowman shirt Gothic fashion?
• Are Marc Jacobs's designs haute goth?

Music/Celebrity:

• Is Lady Gaga a monster?
• Is Nicki Minaj a horrorcore artist?

Etc.

• Are zombies human?
• Do mermaids exist?
• What is a witch?

Of course, you don't have to choose one of these prompts and I urge you to create your own prompt. Whichever prompt you decide upon, you will need to discuss your choice with me by Friday, July 11th so we can work together on how you will go about defining your term.

Grading Criteria

In order to receive a satisfactory grade on this assignment, the essay adheres to the following specific guidelines in addition to those defined in the syllabus: 

• Correctly cites and includes at least one source which supports the argument, without misrepresenting the source
• Have a strong introduction with a clear thesis statement that defines a specific term
• Uses clear transitions between ideas
• Employs a strong conclusion which addresses the larger context of the issue
• Follows directions for submission guidelines

 For further grading criteria, please view the rubric.