Assignment sheet for Analysis of a Monster Essay assignment for ISem 101

1. ISem 101: The Monsters We Make
Analysis of a Monster Essay
Purpose
This assignment works toward the University of Idaho Learning Outcomes 1) Learn
and Integrate (by applying Cohen’s monster theses to a monster of your choice)
and 3) Communicate (writing an organized essay that informs the reader what you
have learned from outcome 1).
Assignment
Compose a three-page, double-spaced essay that explains how a particular monster
illustrates three of Cohen’s seven theses from his chapter “Monster Culture: (Seven
Theses).”
Suggested Steps
• One of the first steps is to choose a monster. It can be a category of monster
(ghosts, vampires, etc.) or a particular monster from a particular movie,
video game, graphic novel, or book (Lestat from Anne Rice’s Interview with a
Vampire or Freddy Krueger from Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street, for
example).
• As you are choosing a monster, keep in mind your understanding of Cohen’s
theses and begin to think about which three are most meaningful or
interesting in terms of the monster you are considering. Choose a monster
that provides an opportunity for you to demonstrate your understanding of
Cohen’s concepts and makes for an interesting analysis.
• As you compose the body of your essay, for each thesis, explain it, primarily
in your own words, and explain how your monster illustrates this concept.
Include what you have learned about the monster from the application of
Cohen’s thesis and how it has enriched your understanding of this particular
monster (or monsters in general). Draft a paragraph or section for each
thesis.
• Put these sections in an order that supports the reader’s understanding of
your analysis. Revise paragraphs so they are unified around a single point.
Include transitions that guide your reader through the relationships between
your points. Include an introduction and conclusion.
• Use MLA in-text citation style if you use direct quotes and a separate Works
Cited page (MLA format) at the end of the essay (this does not count toward

2. ISem 101: The Monsters We Make
the three-page length requirement) if you quote or cite examples from any
text (books or movie). The Purdue University Online Writing Lab at
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/ is an excellent resource for checking
that you are using correct MLA format.
• Proof read carefully for grammatical, spelling, typing, etc. errors. This is a
formal writing assignment that should demonstrate your ability to use
written language effectively and correctly.
Grading Criteria
• Organization
o Includes an introduction, body, and conclusion
o Paragraphs are unified around one point
o Transitions signal the relationships between the points
• Content
o Meets assignment expectations for length and format
o Discusses three theses from Cohen’s article in equal depth
• Quality of Analysis
o Demonstrates an understanding of Cohen’s theses
o Monster and theses are appropriate for each other
o Thoughtful analysis of how the monster illustrates the thesis and why
it is significant
• Correctness
o Meets standards of college-level writing
o Uses correct MLA in-text citation style
Deadline
Due Monday, 4/2 before class.