Week 1 Discussion(Read 300 by Frank Miller and then answer the discussion)
Before beginning please read carefully the guidelines for writing papers and discussion posts on the discussion board. Then write a 350–500 word response for TWO of the following topics (for a total of 700–1,000 words) (2 out of 3)
1. In his afterword to the graphic novel, Miller recommends, among others, The Histories, by Herodotus. Do an Internet search for Herodotus and the Battle at Thermopylae and read his historical account (Polymnia VII logos 200 ff). To what extent is 300 a literary adaptation of The Histories. Is it a literal, loose, or intermediate adaptation? What parts are emphasized in the graphic novel and what parts left out? How do history and literature differ in their presentation of the battle? Which do you prefer and why?
2. Does the graphic novel rely more heavily on the drawings or on the words for its meanings? Explain your answer with several references and examples from the text
3. How are Xerxes and the Persians portrayed in the graphic novel? Describe their characterization and then explain whether you think this is a fair depiction.
Each response should be 350–500 words in length (for a total of 700–1,000 words)
Use MLA citation style for any quotations or citations that you might use to support your answer
3 pages needed for this discussion
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Essay
Watch the movie 300 and answer the following essay question:
Before beginning, please read carefully the guidelines for writing papers and discussion posts on the Discussion Board. Then write a 1,000–1,200 word response for ONE of the following topics (1 out of 2)
1.Is the movie 300 a loose, literal, or intermediate adaptation of the graphic novel? Discuss any significant changes to the plot that you noticed. What are they and what do they involve: characters, places, events? Why are they significant? How do you account for these changes, including additions, alterations, substitutions, etc., and how do they affect the interpretation of the film?
2. Discuss how the film’s music affected your interpretation of the movie. How does the movie’s soundtrack set the tone? What type of music style predominates? Where is it placed and when do you hear it? Explain how the music helps articulate the major scenes, the emotions of the characters/actors, or ideas of the film.
Your response should be 1,000–1,200 words in length
Any resources (including textbooks) must be cited and referenced in adherence with MLA documentation style
In addition, the Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab) provides a step-by-step guide. This site shows a sample formatted paper and gives details as to all formatting requirements
MLA: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/