Objective: For Essay #1, you will write an essay convincing someone to try a favorite TV series based on one episode.
Requirements: Choose a single episode from a favorite television or streaming show not a YouTube-only production. I mean something that is available via ABC, NBC, CBS, TBS, HBO/MAX, Netflix, Hulu, Prime, etc. The Moraine Valley Library has a large collection of TV on DVD (along with the equipment to play the media) for anyone who needs. You will have the choice to use this show or the one you use for Essay 2 for the research paper later in the class as well so pick something that has some depth and can be used for a college-level research paper. Go through these slides before you choose: How to Choose
Format: Use MLA style. Any primary research (direct quotes from the text–the TV show) needs to be cited with (00:00-00:00) at the end of sentences as in-text citations. A works cited end citation for the TV show used is required.
Note: No outside research is accepted. The use of outside research will result in a failing grade for the paper. We are learning how to write an argument based on a primary text (the episode from a TV show). Secondary research will begin with the Research Paper Draft.
Specifics:
- The essay to be graded must be 4-5 pages in length.
- All assignments are due on dates noted in syllabus/Canvas Calendar and are uploaded via Canvas.
- Assignments are graded via posted rubrics that attempt to break down the departmental grading standards.
Audience: Think of your readers as people who may not know the TV show you are writing about. Pick something you like. Pick something you know about and want to share with others. Watch your episode at least twice before writing.
Approach: Persuasive, first-person discussion (why someone should try this text; first-person response; that means I think etc). Brainstorm why someone should try the specific episode you pick. Start with the reason you like the show. Make sure to use bananas in the introduction.
Remember, pilot episodes (first episodes) are not great for this as they are not fully formed examples of a series in many cases. I would not suggest using a pilot episode.
Use present tense, active voice verbs when writing about texts.
My Sample Outline: I recommend that you outline your ideas prior to writing to help with organization. I am happy to review any outlines you wish to share.
Intro: Anecdotal approach on my fleeting interest in the sitcom The Good Place. I would also define the Trolley Problem experiment for an audience who hasn’t seen this episode of The Good Place or taken an intro to philosophy course. (See Intro Types for resources on introductions)
Thesis: I think people who might not watch sitcoms would really enjoy the episode “The Trolley Problem” from the series The Good Place because it is a sophisticated comedy that makes the afterlife look like life.
Body paragraphs in outline form (Topic sentences appear in yellow. See how each relates to the main points in the thesis in blue and purple above):
One reason I think non-sitcom fans might like this episode of The Good Place is the show’s high concept rather than the common, mass-market humor found in many situation comedies.
- When the characters are transported to the afterlife, they live in homes and in a community that looks like some suburban neighborhoods, but the community is a facade. Because this is a comedy, this effect works by creating relatable scenarios from real life in the afterlife. For a philosophy professor, this includes a real “trolley” problem. For the other characters, this includes relationship problems and therapy.
Conclude the paragraph. Transition into next idea.
In addition to high-concept comedy writing, I think“The Trolley Problem” illustrates life in the afterlife.
- Many people think that life ends after death, but in The Good Place, the characters continue living, in a way, and are shown working through ‘real life’ problems. This makes the afterlife less frightening because the characters are funny, relatable people in a situation that is out of their control that offers interesting takes on ethics and philosophy.
Conclude the paragraph. Transition into next idea.
Another reason this series is attractive in my opinion is ultimately the format.
- The sitcom allows for new viewers, and those who might not like sitcoms, to understand the show by only watching one episode, and that is a draw for folks who would watch a 30-minute comedy in general. But for those who might not like old school, episodic sitcoms, The Good Place does have overarching themes that hold the individual episodes together. There are only four seasons, so there is not a huge time commitment. And the use of complex topics, like The Trolley Problem thought experiment, could help non-sitcom fans connect to the show even if they do not like the sitcom format.
Conclude the paragraph. Transition into next idea.
If someone might not like the idea of a sitcom because of silly laugh tracks or predictable storylines, I want to point out that The Good Place has neither and is a thoughtful show.
- “The Trolley Problem” takes a classic thought experiment and makes it a real form of torture to the teacher character. And the joke is that he, in life, probably stressed his own students out with the thought experiment, so now (in death), he has to confront that situation himself and understand the impossible situation the trolly problem is.
Conclude the paragraph. Transition into conclusion.
(The number of paragraphs depends on the scope of the essay; four paragraphs are not enough to meet the page requirements for this paper. This is an example not a template. I think a brief summary of the episode could appear after the intro, if you think that is needed for your audience, for example)
(help readers out of conversation; leave readers with ideas to think about)
Note: A Paragraph General Outline
Topic sentence that relates to an element in the thesis
Summary of a scene that relates to the TS
Direct quote from primary source
Concluding statement on the topic
Transition, new paragraph
Meets the following Course Outcomes:
COM 102 Course Content Outcomes
1. Analyze the choices writers make to suit purpose and audience.
2. Use a variety of tools for prewriting, drafting, revision, and editing.
3. Construct an argument based on a text.
4. Demonstrate awareness of elements of rhetoric.
5. Adapt style and tone to purpose and audience.
6. Create connections among texts.
7. Guide an argument with writer’s own voice while seamlessly integrating sources.
8. Use more advanced, independent information literacy skills to creatively select sources tailored to purpose and audience.
9. Document and cite sources in MLA style.
10. Demonstrate more sophisticated style choices for clarity, conciseness, cohesion, and emphasis.
