Instructions
Overview

In this assignment, you will write a critical analysis of a film or book or television series in which you identify the mythic symbolism, the use of myth, the imitation or adaptation of myth, specific reference to myths that we have read.

When the original myths were told to a rapt audience, their imaginations brought the gods, the creatures, the events to life.  We have a similar experience when we see the symbols that arise out of the myths come to life when we see them played out before our eyes on television, in the theater or on film.  We enjoy these stories just as our distant ancestors enjoyed them.  Although our ancestors probably put far more belief in the reality of the stories than we do, we do not escape the impact of the underlying truths of the myths even though we proclaim ourselves “too educated” or “too enlightened.”

Instructions

In this assignment, you will write a critical analysis of a film or book or television series in which you identify the mythic symbolism, the use of myth, the imitation or adaptation of myth, specific reference to myths that we have read.  The emphasis in this assignment is on analysis.  Do not simply retell the story line; rather show not only the mythic elements that are present in the film/book that you selected, but also how those elements bring the mythic values from the original myth into the film/book. 
It is recommended that you stay in the area of concentration that you chose for your annotated bibliography, but you are not required to do so.

The link below provides detailed Instructions and Guide for Writing the Critical Analysis, and suggestions for topics. This link provides a step by step guide for writing, to include instructions on what must be included in your analysis.

Critical Analysis Guide and Instructions

Print the page as a source of reference, or keep the page open to refer to as you work on your paper.

Rubric Name: Critical Analysis Essay
This table lists criteria and criteria group name in the first column. The first row lists level names and includes scores if the rubric uses a numeric scoring method.
Critical Analysis   
Meets Expectations
Approaches Expectations
Below Expectations
No Evidence
Criterion Score
Content and Analysis
20 points
Submitted the Critical Analysis contains important key points and the connection between myth and modern works you have learned in the course is evident.  The essay has a clear synopsis of the plot of the analyzed work.  The organization of the essay and the treatment of the mythic elements in the selected work are evident. Critical Analysis includes specific details relating to the mythical work.

/ 20
Thesis, Support, and Elements
20 points
Well formulated, clearly written Critical Analysis thesis that identifies and narrows the scope of your essay. Essay demonstrates thorough understanding of assignment. Well written supporting paragraphs and conclusion to essay are present which includes an examination of the elements and concepts of the myths; meets length requirements

/ 20
Reseach Style Grammar, and Organization
10 points
Resource usage is thoroughly and accurately supported with MLA-style or APA-style documentation. Essay has been edited for mechanics errors and no errors appear.

Topic Suggestions:
Films/Plays:
    Clash of the Titans (1981 or 2010)
    300
    Beowulf
    How to Train your Dragon
    Percy Jackson and the Olympians
    Lord of the Rings
    Stargate (movie or TV show)
    Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
    House of Flying Daggers
    Ring of the Nibelungs
    The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
    Midsummer Night’s Dream
    The Water Horse
    Indiana Jones
    Jason and the Argonauts
    Return of Hanuman
    Legend of Rama
    Secret of Roan Inish
    Conan the Barbarian
    The 13th Warrior
    Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead
    Dark Crystal
    Thor
    Neverending Story
    Hercules (movie or TV series)
Literature:
    Baba Yaga  (folktale)
    The Hobbit (Tolkien)
    A Hundred Years of Solitude (Garcia Marquez)
    The Sword of Shanarra (Brooks)
    The Temple of the Golden Pavilion (Mishima)
    Siddhartha  (Hesse)
    Don Quixote  (Cervantes)
    The Surprising Adventures of Baron Munchausen (Raspe)
    Skinwalkers (Hillerman)
    Chronicles of Narnia (Lewis)