October 27th, 2020 
INSTRUCTIONS
FIRST, Choose a film or television episode to critique. Dont overthink it, choose something you like, watch already, or want to watch. (Lady Bird)
THEN, learn what the Bechdel Test is here (Links to an external site.).
FINALLY, apply the Bechdel Test to critique your episode or movie.
PURPOSE: A critique is a genre of academic writing that briefly summarizes and critically evaluates a work or concept. Like an essay, a critique uses a formal, academic writing style and has a clear structure, that is, an introduction, body and conclusion. However, the body of a critique includes a summary of the work and a detailed evaluation (from Queensland University of Tech writing center).
The purpose of this critique is to specifically address whether or not the film or episode passes the Bechdel Test, and why that matters in relation to gender equality. Here are some prompts to consider as you write your critique.
If the film doesnt pass the test, reflect on what it would take to make it pass. Would it still be a good story?
If the film passes the test, include a discussion of how frequently or infrequently you see films that do so, and reflect on why or why not.
Reflect on how you feel (intellectually, emotionally) about evaluating your chosen film through the lens of the Bechdel Test. What thoughts, feelings, emotions arise for you in the process?
In addition to the actors, discuss the gender of the director, writer(s), producers, and other key personnel who created the film and reflect on how that may have influenced the results.
Comment on gender as a social construction and the role media plays in dictating gender roles in society.
BONUS: Impress your professor by including in your critique, analysis of social identities beyond gender like sexual identity, race, class, ability and others.
ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION
Write a 800-1000 word critique. Assignment should include a brief summary of the episode/film (dont assume your reader has seen it) as well as a detailed critique.
Explain whether or not the film passes the Bechdel Test and, using concepts and theories youve learned thus far in class reflect on why it matters.
Proofread and edit your writing so that it meets high academic standards.
Upload assignment following course formatting instructions.
Posted in 