Critical Texts

Questions:

How can a different lens help me read or view a text in a more critical way? Is there more than one possible way to read a text? Does the author's/director's intention matter?

Problem:

When we don't read deeply, we often overlook the ideologies and worldviews represented in a text. Authors themselves may be unaware of the ideologies they unconsciously promote in their texts. What do we do in light of this?

Audience:

Your teacher, classmates, and anyone else familiar with your chosen text who may not be aware of its underlying ideologies.

Purpose:

To learn more about a critical lens that interests you and apply it to a reading or viewing of a text of your choice to see how certain meanings and issues are foregrounded.

Process:

1. Browse different critical lenses. Learn about Marxist theory, feminist theory, postcolonial theory, etc. to see which one most engages you. The Purdue OWL site is a great place to begin.

2. Research and annotate at least two different sources about your chosen critical lens. You should read the articles or chapters in their entirety to ensure you have a deep understanding of their ideas. As you read, take notes on the key concepts, terms, and excerpts that your audience should also know. Your notes should also discuss the reliability and usefulness of the sources, evaluating their significance to your critical reading.

3. Choose a novel, short story, TV show, or film. It should be a text you think would be interesting to explore using your critical lens.

4. Develop a hypothesis. What will your chosen critical lens reveal about your novel, short story, TV show, or film? Will it expose some kind of bias? Will it highlight an oppressive ideology? You should commit to reading/viewing your text multiple times in its entirety to collect sufficient details that allow you to consider your chosen lens's impact on the piece as a whole.

5. Report your findings. Decide which medium will be most effective for communicating your research and application to your audience. What will engage your classmates? What will enable you to demonstrate clear and focused thinking? You can present your findings orally, visually, in writing, or as a combination of all three (a website, perhaps). Regardless of medium, your final draft should communicate:

• • Your hypothesis

  • What key concepts you learned about your critical lens

  • Your evaluation of your 2+ critical texts

  • An application of your critical lens to a novel, short story, TV show, or film

    • This should include specific evidence from your 2+ critical texts in addition to specific evidence from your novel, short story, TV show, or film.

  • A bibliography of your sources in MLA format