This open-topic, research based project will allow you to explore a self selecte

This open-topic, research based project will allow you to explore a self selected research topic connected to one or more of the films, comics, or television shows we’ve read/viewed this semester. Your project must have a focused thesis that presents an argument and is supported with specific examples from the texts and relevant scholarly sources.
The research paper must answer a research question, developed by the student, about Batman as an evolving media property, text, or icon.
The research paper should engage with Glen Weldon’s The Caped Crusade, and other texts, films, animations, or comics studied in class. The paper should also engage with and use other scholarly sources about Batman.
Format:
5-6 pages in length (approximately 2,000 words) double spaced
MLA Style citations) and Works Cited page
Makes use of visuals, graphs, charts and other supplemental material not as space fillers but as supporting.
Has a clear structure and progression of ideas which support the thesis presented.
A minimum of 2 scholarly sources/articles other than Glen Weldon’s The Caped Crusade.
Steps to Complete the Assignment
Brainstorm and develop a research question
Review your assignments and posts, to determine what topics/concept from the textbook most interest you. This can be a way to determine what issue or element in Batman you wish to critique. The research question should be related to the concepts of how Batman functions as a source for many different kinds of media. The goal is to form an argument/claim which you will defend through the paper.
Select another piece of media to put in conversation with Batman. This secondary media should illuminate the issue or topic you selected from step 2. The goal is not to simply compare or contrast the two media, but rather to use both media to build an argument.
( Example: Examining the visual composition in both Beyonce’s Single Ladies and composition opening to Batman: The Animated Series highlights the subtle way bodies are fetishized in media through acts of isolation)
Write a well-reasoned, thesis driven, paper which argues for a particular critique of an area of Batman in the media. The critique should be supported using your interpretations of various scholarly sources.