Paper should have:

• an introduction stating the thesis of your argument: X is (or is not) a good Y because it meets (or does not meet) criteria A, B, C.
• Specific criteria for judging: For examples, what three attributes make a movie a good comedy? Support your criteria selection with reasons and examples, (scenes, dialogue, etc) especially if you think your audience may not share your ideas about what is most important.
• Use examples and reasoning to back up your evaluative claim.
• Controversy, an argument.
• A consideration of alternative views. Really put yourself in the position of your audience, and try to think like they would think. What would the opposition object to or question as they are reading or hearing your argument?
• Paper should be 3-5 pages

Ideas:

1.) Evaluate Walmart, after viewing the documentary in-class and watching the remaining segments out of class. Are low prices always a good thing? See this page: Out-Sourcing

2. Movie: Focus on a genre—then write up the criteria for a good movie in that genre, (at least three), and show how your chosen movie meets or does not meet those criteria.

To establish controversy, you might want to argue that a movie which is generally thought of as good is bad (or vice-versa), revive a neglected or forgotten movie, or talk about a movie in terms of a genre with which it is not commonly associated.

An incomplete list of film genres: action, western, romantic comedy, screwball comedy, musical, Biblical epic, science fiction, drama, action, satire, gangster movie, disaster movie, horror (including slasher, psychological horror, monster movie etc.), espionage thriller, documentary

-Characteristics to consider: aesthetic (criteria that define the type of movie itself) or moral (criteria that have an impact on a particular audience). So, for example, we could argue that Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" is a good religious film in an aesthetic sense (easy, because it is a film about Christ) or a morally bad or irresponsible film (more tricky) because it has too many scenes of grotesque horror and too few scenes of spiritual transcendence. A more difficult film to discuss as a religious film aesthetically would be "The Matrix," for example.

3. TV Program:

Pick one of the following genres—sitcom, reality, drama, news, soap, documentary, talk show---then write up the criteria for a good program in that genre (at least three). Show how your chosen tv show or program meets or does not meet those criteria.

To establish controversy, you might want to argue that a show, which is generally thought of as good, is bad (or vice-versa), revive a neglected or forgotten show, or talk about the program in terms of a genre with which it is not commonly associated.

4. Song:

Focus on a music genre—write up the criteria for a good song in that genre, (at least three), and show how your chosen song meets or does not meet those criteria.

To establish controversy, you might want to argue that a song which is generally thought of as good is bad (or vice-versa), revive a neglected or forgotten song, or talk about the song in terms of a genre with which it is not commonly associated.

If you are arguing that a song is bad, you can compare it with a song that has elements that match the criteria you have selected for a good song. Be sure to use specific examples from the songs to back up your points—(for ex., lyrics/music.)

5. Sports team:

Focus on a sport (or athlete), college level or pro—write up the criteria for what makes a good team/player, and how your chosen team meets or does not meet those criteria.

To establish controversy, you might want to argue that a team which is generally thought of as good is bad (or vice-versa).

If you are arguing that a team/player is bad, you can compare it with a team that has elements that match the criteria you have selected for a good team. Be sure to use specific examples to back up your points.

6. Politician/public figure--(or a good student, parent, friend, roommate):

What makes someone a good X (pick at least three points)…show how your politician meets or does not meet the criteria for a good leader.

7. Consider a particular social or political dilemma and evaluate one approach being taken to resolve it...is the approach good or bad, right or wrong? State the criteria for a successful approach to the problem. (Evaluate PETA’s attempt to make us aware of animal rights by comparing human injustices to the “exploitation” of animals. Evaluate the measures Penn state is taking to resolve the issue with the women’s basketball coach, a particular school’s attempt to attain diversity…the abortion display in front of the library, ect…)

8. Consider some current artist or actor or other public figure and make a claim that compares their performance to that of their peers. Define what qualities are most important for what that person does and evaluate them according to those criteria.