Essay 1: Gender Topic Your topic is the area of gender, specifically as it relates to one or more episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. You will choose the episode(s) you will use to determine the angle and content of your argument. Purpose Your goal is to compose a well-reasoned and thoroughly analyzed argument on some issue related to gender, using your chosen episode(s) for support. Represent and support your points thoroughly, and make clear connections between your thoughts, your analysis, and the show. You are making an argument about gender using the series, not the other way around, so do not evaluate the series itself. Content You are analyzing some area of gender that you find interesting. This can be something directly from the episode(s) or a larger idea from outside the series that has some basis in the episode(s). Keep in mind that you must support the rationale for your analysis and give reasons why. The essay should consist primarily of the application of your analysis criteria to the episode(s), so use references to other authors and texts sparingly. You may perform light research outside the series to support your argument, but you should focus mainly on analyzing the evidence of the series that relates to your topic. Also, make sure to maintain an academic tone. This is not meant to be a limiting topic where you are simply arguing about how sexism is wrong. This has been done to death and is, frankly, not much of an argument in our circles. However, there are many ways to approach this topic. You are able to discuss female sexuality, masculinity, marginalization of gender in specific and atypical ways, or societal roles that we perpetuate for gender. These are just a few ideas that are a bit more œoutside the box. Please feel free to create your own topics. Audience Your audience for this essay is one that is aware of the series and familiar with its content. Consider the audience to be opposed to your argument but open-minded. They are not combative, but they won’t automatically agree with you. The audience is not me, so do not address me directly, use the second-person, or write what you think I want to hear. Format Your essay should be at least 3 double-spaced pages in length (essays under 3 full pages will suffer significant grade reduction), using Times New Roman 12 point normal font. Margins cannot exceed 1 inch on all sides. The episodes that the writer should take some persuasive issues should be in: Surprise innocence phases passion becoming part 1 becoming part 2 Anne faith,hope& trick lovers walk the wish amends helpless