Fr 139 Fall 2004
Essay Assignment

Goal of this assignment:  to allow you to demonstrate your intercultural competency and sensitivity in a short written analysis of some cultural topic.  This is NOT a research paper and you should be able to treat one of the topics below without consulting any sources other than the texts for this class.  

Criteria for grading:  I am interested in the ways in which you 1) present your ideas; 2) build an argument; 3) demonstrate the ability to think critically about your own culture and explain your cultural values and attitudes to someone who may not share them.   All three of these criteria rest upon your ability to write a coherent and well structured essay.  Organization will count as well as grammar and spelling.  

Stage One:  Select one of the topics below and write a first draft of your essay-- about 4-5 pages, typed, double spaced.  Very little outside research should be necessary, though if you do consult other materials (books, articles, websites, videos, etc.) you MUST cite your sources carefully and provide a list of works cited (bibliography.)  Due date for first draft:  October 7.  

Stage Two:  You will rewrite and revise your essay, using my comments on the first draft as a guide.  Due date for the final version plus the original draft:  November 4.    

Topics:  

1.  Although more and more international students are coming to Penn State, many are not prepared for the cultural differences.  President Spanier has asked you to write a short guide for French students coming to live and study in the U.S.  What do you think it would be helpful for a French student, who has never spent time in the U.S., to know?  There are many topics you may choose to address:  social life, family, school, food, private & public space.  Since the U.S. has many regional differences, assume that the target audience will be coming to your home town or region.  What information about your region's cultural attitudes and values would help the student make a smooth transition?

2.  It's election year in the U.S. and your French friend Philippe is having a hard time understanding what's going on.  Why do there seem to be only two candidates?  Why do individual states matter?  You realize that in order to explain the U.S. electoral system you need to first explain to Philippe some basic information about the U.S.  government, in terms he can understand.  Write a letter to your friend in which you compare and contrast French and American government, so that he can better follow the 2004 presidential election.

3.  Steven Spielberg has bought the rights to "Amélie" and he wants YOU to write an American remake.  How would you change the film to suit an American audience?  You'll need to think about the story, the dialogue, the casting, the sets and location, the music, the cinematography and the special effects.  Moreover, since the film was so successful internationally, you'll need to justify each change you make.  Write a proposal for Spielberg that describes your vision of the film and explains the changes you want to make.