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English 100
Spring 2020
Research Essay Prompts, Guidelines, & Due Dates
PROMPTS
Please select one of the writing prompts from the following list and develop an argument that
responds to it. Remember you are developing a thesis that responds to some aspect of the
prompt or the overall prompt which means that you are not answering this prompt question
by question. Of course, you may cite from any or all of our reading selections to support your
argument. You must; however, also employ at least 2 outside sources in this essay .
1) In his book Everything Bad is Good for You: How Today’s Popular Culture is Actually
Making Us Smarter , Steven Johnson argues that current television programming
generally has required more cognitive demands on the viewer than programs in the
past . He points out the difference between what he calls “intelligent shows and shows
that force you to be intelligent” (64). According to Johnson, the complexity of such
programs-programs that require a viewer’s intelligence-is accelerating. In his book,
Johnson defines three aspects of a program that determine whether a television
program is intelligent and/or it forces the viewer to be intelligent. How do you see his
notions about “the sleeper curve” played out in current or recent television programming?
Is television programming becoming across the board, in other words in every genre,
more complex and intellectually challenging? Or are some types of programs becoming
more intricate, with rich characters and multiple threads interwoven in the plot, while
others are appealing to the basest human passions and desires? Examine one or more
episodes from a current or recent television program and apply Johnson’s ideas to it.
Does it contain multiple threading? Are the characters rich and dynamic or flat and
stereotypical? How many recurrent characters are used in the program? Does the show
employ, what Johnson describes as, “flashing arrows” to lead viewers through the plot?
Use specific details. You could also make a case against Johnson’s argument or compare
and contrast television programming from the past to current programming to support
your argument.
2) In his article, James Harold, an assistant professor of philosophy, discusses The
Sopranos , a popular television program. In particular, Harold focuses on Tony Soprano
who is the main character on the show. In “A Moral Never-Never Land: Identifying with
Tony Soprano,” Harold delves into the quandary of simultaneously liking Tony Soprano,
a Mafia mobster, while also finding his actions and lack of morals reprehensible. Harold
asks his audience rhetorically if liking a show or character who promotes criminal
behavior is right. Harold also examines Plato’s notions about the potentially dangerous
aspects of art. However, Harold suggests that both Plato and Tolstoy might be
simplifying the issue and that individuals are not necessarily affected in a negative way
even when they identify with immoral characters, like Tony Soprano, or when they
appreciate art that glorifies less than positive moral action. Can art, and in this case
television programming, influence viewers, particularly viewers who enjoy slightly
unsavory, unethical, or even downright criminal characters, in a negative way? Why
do many of us, like Harold, enjoy programs like The Sopranos ? What do you think? Find
evidence that supports Harold’s contentions or perhaps promotes the opposite stance.
Please connect your argument back to Harold’s contentions and his article.
3) Complete an analysis of a television program of your choice. Apply some of the
concepts that either Steven Johnson discusses such as (multiple threading, cognitive
complexity, “intelligent shows,” or shows that promote the viewer’s intelligence etc…).
Or apply the idea that James Harold presents that art is impactful or explore the concept
of the hero and/or the antihero and how these characters function in the program. Does
the use of an antihero make the program more interesting? Describe some of the elements
that make the program more modern and more complex. What are these elements? You
could talk about plot structure, types of characters, audience involvement, or even the
information that is left out that viewers might have to fill in. Please be sure to connect
your assertions to one of the texts that we have read/studied in this class.
ESSAY GUIDELINES
Your final essay must :
● have a clear, identifiable thesis statement that directs your critical analysis/argument
● employ sources (data, statistics, examples, quoted material, from both class reading
selections and outside sources)
● use at least 2 other outside sources
● be 1,400 to 2,000 words in length with a minimum of 1,400 words . Please complete
a word count and attach a sticky note with the number of words in your document
● adhere to all current MLA style documentation standards (typed, 1” margins, 12 point
font, etc…)
● contain a typed Works Cited page that lists all sources (final page of your paper)
REMEMBER : The Final version of your essay should reflect a substantial amount of
revision, both sentence-level corrections or editing and global revisions, from your
initial draft, so allow enough time to revise, revise, revise!
DUE DATES :
THESIS STATEMENT DUE: May 9 (25 points)
WORKS CITED DUE: May 16 (25 points)
FINAL VERSION: May 23 (100 points)