Assignment task:
Choose an item of popular culture, such as a film, an episode of or character from a TV show, a music video, a social media trend, a book, a song, etc. Discuss how this item of pop culture relates to any of these following themes from the class: virginity, respectability politics, moral panics, the socially constructed nature of sexuality, marriage as an economic institution, or reproductive justice. Use an intersectional feminist lens to re-think, critique, question, or celebrate your chosen item of pop culture. Papers should not just explain or describe the item of pop culture, but argue a contestable thesis - does the piece of media you've chosen to analyze provide a responsible/feminist representation of a subject? Does it criticize oppressive structures? Does it normalize or excuse discrimination? Does it shame certain sexualities or sexual practices? Etc. (you need not answer all of these questions, they are examples, listed here to emphasize that your paper should make an argument).
Papers should contain an introductory paragraph which gives brief context and summarizes the parts of the argument that will follow. Intro paragraphs should end with a specific and clear thesis statement which articulates the goal of the paper.
Length: 1,500-1,700 words (about 6-7 pages double-spaced). Three in-class citations required, listed both in a works cited page at the end of document as well as throughout the essay with in-text parenthetical citations (MLA format).