AAFS / AHIS 286: African Civilizations
Critical Response Paper: Guidelines
The critical response paper will consist of a 5 page critical response to the content of video #1:
‘Different But Equal’ listed on the syllabus and available on Blackboard. Students are expected
to provide critical summaries of the video and link them with specific examples from the class
texts. The response should highlight the main issues discussed in the video.
Guidelines:
1. What is the main focus of the specific video (What is the narrator/producer seeking to
discuss)?
2. Identify the main issues highlighted in the video and discuss them in specific paragraphs
(how are the issues presented?)
3. Explain how the discussed issues are relevant or irrelevant to the main focus of the narrator.
4. Explain whether the narrator has been successful in presenting his or her ideas. Did they
make any unsubstantiated claims? Where any points misrepresented or omitted?
5. Students must link the video to readings from the assigned texts (A minimum of SIX
examples are required). What issues discussed in the video are similar to points made in the
readings you have read so far? Cite specific examples from specific assigned readings where
applicable. Connecting the video to assigned class readings is a requirement.
Format: Your essay must follow the following format
a. Introduction: A paragraph introducing the main focus of the essay and the main issues
highlighted in the video.
b. Body: The body of your essay comprises of a point-by-point discussion of the themes/issues
identified in the video. The points are separated by paragraphs. Hence, the body of students’
reflection.
c. Conclusion: The critical response must have a closing paragraph that sums up all that has been discussed in the body of the essay.
d. Citations: In-text citation of class readings or other texts used in the essay are very
important (required). Students may use any citation style. See examples below:
APA (American Psychology Association):
Example – (Khapoya, 2013, p.14)
MLA (Modern Languages Association):
Example – (Khapoya, 14), or placing the exact page number after the quote: (14)
Chicago:
Example 1 – (Davidson, 1994, 14) or Davidson (1994, 14)
Example 2 – (Abarry & Asante, 1996, 14) or Abarry & Asante (1996, 14)
e.
Works Cited: The Critical Response Paper must have a works-cited page listing the full
information of cited works (author, title, publisher, year etc.)
f.
Cover Page: All Critical Papers must have a cover/title page which must have the specifics
of the assignment (name of student, class information, assignment, name of instructor etc.)
