Film Adaption of Shakespeare’s Hamlet Summary

English 142: Foundations of Story
Second paper—the research essay:
Requirements:
Essays must be minimum 2,000 words
They must make use of at least four scholarly, peer-reviewed database or journal or book sources
(No regular internet sources count towards this limit)
Essays must be organized into clear paragraphs
MLA style throughout
Essays must be free of grammar flaws and spelling errors
Most importantly, papers must address the topic with sharp focus and minimal if any summary
Plagiarised essays will be burnt during a solemn ceremony at full moon (and referred to the Academic Dishonesty Office)--I refer you gently to the document "How to Avoid Plagiarism" under Course Work
Topics:
1. Your own topic—but this topic MUST be relevant to the course readings and MUST be approved first via e-mail.
2. Watch one version of a film adaptation of Hamlet and answer these questions:
a. What good things and bad things can happen when we change, adapt, and tweak
Shakespeare?
b. What changes does this film version make? And why are these changes significant?
c. Why do film makes and theatre directors generally feel the need to change texts and traditions
about some of the finest literature that has ever been written?
3. Alice Walker's "Everyday Use"
With close reference to the text, write a research paper that delves into the realm of African-American culture, education, contiguity with Africa, and the problems of defining "black" culture.
4. In what ways does Jorge Luis Borges’ work “The Garden of Forking Paths” comment on the various meta-literary and self-referential theatrical texts from The Odyssey to Hamlet?
Your written work will be judged on these parameters:
RUBRIC
Your written work will be judged on these parameters:
Content
Grammar
Clarity
Flow
Spelling
Mechanics
MLA style
“A” papers:
are the full-length limit
master the MLA style fully
are well-organized into clear paragraphs
are lucid in terms of language and ideas
show clear, grammatical language
are flawless in terms of spelling and mechanics
use elegant transitions effectively
answer the prompt in full
where applicable, make use of only scholarly sources for research
are exceptional at the university freshman level

“B” papers:
are the full length
show good mastery of the MLA style
display good organization into paragraphs
show clarity of ideas and language
make few errors in grammar
make nearly no spelling mistakes
use transitions effectively
respond to the full prompt
where applicable, use mostly scholarly sources towards research
are well above average at the university freshman level
“C” papers:
are at or close to the full length
show good use of MLA format
display adequate organization into paragraphs
convey the content with reasonable clarity
may make a few mistakes in grammar and spelling but are generally legible
demonstrate conscious attempts at using transitions
respond to the prompt but may not do so in full
where applicable, use acceptable sources towards research
are average at the university freshman level
“D” papers:
may be short
might show unfamiliarity with MLA style
may be sloppily organized
may be flawed in terms of clarity, may be dense
may be flawed grammatically
might make many spelling errors
could show poor transitions
may not respond to the fullness of the prompt
where applicable, may use unacceptable sources towards research
are generally below average at the university freshman level
“F” papers:
may be well short of the limit
usually show little or no familiarity with MLA style
are often badly organized
are frequently plagued with poor grammar and spelling
normally show poor transitions or no flow at all
may not respond to the prompt or topic
where applicable, may use unacceptable sources or no sources at all towards research
are unacceptable at the university freshman level