Your essay will be judged on the basis of the following criteria:
The quality of writing and organization of your paper.
The extent to which the paper demonstrates insightful understanding and application of the course readings.
Your successful understanding and use of ‘praxis’ – the ability to integrate theoretical knowledge and writing with lived and shared social experience.
Remember to set-up a main argument/concern early on in your paper. This can help keep the reader focused on what it is you plan to demonstrate in your analysis.
Essay Topics:
Using a novel (one of recognized literary merit), TV program/episode or movie of your choice, take 2-3 concepts/arguments from our course readings to consider the following statement:
What does it mean that our children are better informed than ever before? That they know what the elders know? It means that they have become adults, or, at least adult-like (Neil Postman, 1994).
First, what are your thoughts on the above statement? Write an essay that clearly and logically formulates this prevailing theme in childhood studies. Second, using your own awareness and critical insights, apply Nick Lee’s ideas/arguments on Being/Becoming to your analysis. Make sure to illustrate and develop your arguments in regards to Lee’s work through your own example of childhood (as represented in your media selection from above). Use this media selection as the ‘grounds’ or sample ‘evidence’ to elucidate your arguments for or against Lee’s ideas.
BOOKS
Reading List:
Lee, Nick. Childhood and Society: Growing up in an age of uncertainty. Issues In Society. Series Editor: Tim May. Open University Press, 2001.
Schor, Juliet B. Born to Buy. Scribner, Simon and Schuster Publications. New York, NY, 2004.
Note: students are also responsible for all lectures and any in-class video/DVD material.
**It is important that students complete the required readings for each class in order to fully engage in the tutorial experience. Note that it is the responsibility of each student to arrive prepared and ready for group discussions.
Last Completed Projects
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