Andrew's Wiki
Course Notes Evaluation Introduction

• An evaluation argument uses a list of criteria (determined by the author) to show how, when applied to an object or idea, that idea can be thought of as a good (or bad) example of its kind.
• For instance:
  • An evaluation argument could claim that “Citizen Kane” is the greatest movie ever made because:
    • It influenced an entire generation of filmmakers.
    • It changed the way film narrative was constructed.
    • It invented a whole slew of new production techniques
    • It’s also a really damn good story
  • In this example, I’ve listed several reasons why I could (but never would) claim that Orson Welle’s first film is the best movie ever made. The implicit argument that I must support (by fleshing out the above points in an essay) is that these criteria are aspects of a movie that mark it as “best” (actually, most of these criteria would also apply to “Seven Samurai” (which is the best movie ever made)).
• So, in other words, to write a successful evaluation, you have make a value judgement about an object, list criteria that link your object with others of its kind you would also judge accordingly, and then show how these criteria both apply to the object and define the value judgement.
• Which is a really complicated way of saying “pick something and say if you like it or not and why.”

Look at assignment sheet, here.

• You must choose one that opened/was released within the last few months (January 2009 to Present).
• Type a title page with your name, the name of what you’re reviewing, and the title of your review.
• Alternatively, if you pick something old, give a reason to your readers why they need to have a review of something old: is it newly reissued, a new DVD edition, a backwards glance on the fledgling attempts of an artist/director who is just now famous? To prove to me that your review would be published some time next week, you must prove to me the immediate pertinence to current events, that is, an excuse to write the review.
• Remember, most record/movie critics are smart ass misanthropes who think they are smarter/better than all of their readers. Being a condescending and smug asshole is highly encouraged in this essay. Further, we will be reading several “concept reviews” in coming days, so such usages of humor and/or personal experience are encouraged. While it is important to inform your reader, it is also a useful idea to amuse your readers.
• This essay is going to be unique amongst the ones you will write because it will be much shorter. Also, you will have a maximum length requirement. In the high-stakes world of publishing, space is at a premium. Most rock critics had to be witty in a very short space.
• Therefore, this record review is to be exactly two double-spaced, 12 point font pages in length. Reviews both more than a 1/2 inch too short or 1/2 inch too long will be marked down a half a letter grade.
• Given this (draconian) length requirement, be judicious with your words. You won’t be able to say everything about your subject, so you have to really think about what is important.