Critical Investigation Tutorial - Essay Plan/Introduction

Essay plan

Consider using the Tarantino quote above the title of the investigation – it would make a great starting point.

Introduction: we’ll discuss this separately but you need to make sure it has the issue, primary and secondary texts and sets out an argument. 250 words.

Section 1: Historical text. This works well as an opening to lay out the debate and the context to the issue. Natural Born Killers is perfect for this. I’d be hesitant about having a section on GTA as it takes the essay away from film. Perhaps include GTA3 in a future section on wider context? Great to see textual analysis and quotes on NBK. 400 words.

Section 2: Primary text – Dark Knight Rises. Structure-wise this is perfect – a natural progression from your first section. Looking at your plan though, you’re going to need more research on DKR – particularly the media controversies (I know you’ve got the James Holmes massacre in there). Again, good to see textual analysis but I’m surprised there isn’t more in terms of web articles, certification debates etc. 500 words.

Section 3: Effects theory – general media effects theory (Gerbner – cultivation theory). This needs to be driven by media theory. Wider context, variety of examples. It may be some of the stuff I’ve mentioned above would actually fit in here. Use the BBFC website to research the certification for the Dark Knight movies - http://www.bbfc.co.uk/case-studies/dark-knight and http://www.bbfc.co.uk/education-resources/student-guide/age-ratings/controversial-decisions ... I think your section 5 stuff in the plan is actually more for this section – remember a section may include several paragraphs. 500 words.

Section 4: Academic research into effects of violence – a separate section on specific journal articles and books on this topic. This is where your research will come to the fore. Get Cohen’s Moral Panic theory in one of these sections too. Discuss the fact violent crime has fallen in last 20 years despite these films and games becoming more popular – how can this be explained? 450 words.

Section 5: Censorship, regulation and the future of this debate. Where does the violence in the media debate go next? What should the BBFC do? 300 words.

Conclusion: Sum up arguments, perhaps end with reference back to Tarantino quote? 100 words.

Next steps… update/finish your plan based on this tutorial. You don’t need to stick to the above by any means but hopefully it has at least clarified your thinking and provided a potential structure that will be easy to follow.

Your introduction needs more clarity but more importantly – it’s way too simplistic. You seem to unquestionably accept that movies cause people to be violent. Is this true? Surely your introduction needs to ASK that question, not just accept it. It feels like your introduction was written by the Daily Mail rather than a media student. You must raise the idea that the media is being scapegoated rather than more complicated issues in society such as mental health or gun control. Perhaps lose the videogame reference and add something on your academic research.

This essay has great potential – it could be SERIOUSLY good! But make sure you present both sides of the argument in an academic way – don’t drift into Daily Mail territory.