Essay 1: Close Reading
Length: 3-4 pages
Rough Draft Due: Wednesday, February 9
Revision Draft Due/ Peer Review: Wednesday, February 16th
Final Draft Due: Wednesday, February 23rd
Course Theme: Native cultures have used masks for millennia. Masks were used for entertainment, disguise, expression, protection, and ritual and ceremonial purposes. Masks are layered with diverse purpose and meaning and serve individuals in various ways. The theme narrowed down for focus in this first essay asks you to explore the following questions through an anthropological framework with emphasis on native cultures and tribes: What do masks represent within a particular cultural context and practice? How do masks operate as symbols within identity, culture, cultural practice, and performance? How do masks serve historical, hierarchal, and cultural purposes and what are their implications in such contexts?
Essay 1 Prompt:
In this first essay you will define functions of masks used within native cultures or tribes (at least two different cultures or tribes). You will identify the function and explain the purpose(s) within the cultures. You may also perform a comparative analysis of two cultures regarding mask function and purpose. You will support your argument with a close reading of at least two primary texts assigned within Introduction and Unit 1 (refer to our course syllabus, weekly readings, and course documents in Blackboard). These primary texts include scholarly journals, poems, speeches, interviews, and videos. You may also bring in additional texts to support your argument; however, most of your support must come from the class texts you select for your close reading. Answer the prompt in a way that makes it clear that you understand the function and significance of masks as a cultural symbol, practice, and/or extension of identity. Make a claim and use your close analysis to support your argument.
Your essay must present a clear and specific thesis where you identify the function of masks and explain their significance as a shared cultural symbol, practice, and/or extension of identity. Your argument is to defend your understanding of mask function, purpose, and significance within multiple cultures. Your close reading will develop your argument using analysis from the class texts and additional texts you select.
Your argument is dependent on your close reading of texts and requires strong textual evidence and analysis. Close readings require critical readings and interpretation of text followed with in-depth analysis. You are required to site evidence from your texts by citing specific and relevant lines or quotes from the texts. Be very specific in your argument and analysis. While your essay should reflect your overall understanding of the texts, choose specific passages that help to support your understanding of function and purpose of masks within culture.
Use Modern Language Association (MLA) format for this essay. You are expected to site from your primary texts using MLA format to paraphrase content or cite in-text citations. Include page numbers, heading, and title. The entire document is double-spaced. Include a Works Cited page as a separate, last page at the end of you essay.
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