Short Paper II (worth 20%)
DUE Friday, April 5 by 11:59PM EST on Quercus
This assignment comes in TWO parts. Part 1 – you will rewrite a caption on an object from the
“Associative Memories” Online Exhibition. Part 2 – you will write a reflection paper on your
personal engagement with video games, drawing from your experience with the selected object and
its caption. Your caption AND reflection paper will be at maximum four pages. All papers must be
double-spaced, in 12-point size and in either Times New Roman or Arial font. Make sure to cite all
your sources using Chicago citation style (use this reference guide to help with your citations).
Part 1 – Rewrite caption for “Associative Memories” Online Exhibition
Explore the Syd Bolton online exhibition “Associative Memories,” curated by Amelia Clarkson,
accessible here. Your task is to select one object from this exhibition and craft a new caption for it,
ranging from 300 to 400 words. Visit our library course page for resources on how to write a
caption (otherwise known as a museum label) and to bring in ONE additional source on video
games. For this assignment I am asking you to expand beyond the standard 130-word length. Please
note that Amelia Clarkson will be coming into class on Wednesday, March 20th to speak about her
online collection and her work as a video game librarian.
Objectives:
• Analytical Depth: Go beyond the basic description of your selected object. Analyze its
significance by considering how it might reflect changes in technology, societal values, or
patterns of media consumption over the years. What does this object tell us about the era in
which it was popular, and how does it relate to the themes of media history discussed in this
course?
• Historical Context: Your rewritten caption should capture the essence of the object’s
historical importance within the broader narrative of video game or media history. How does
this object illustrate the evolution of media technology or media practices? What role did it
play in its time, and how is it remembered today? Bring in ONE new source to help situate
your object within the history of media or video game history.
• Critical Engagement: Challenge yourself to question the object’s impact, relevance, or role
within media history. Consider the following as you analyze your chosen object:
o How did this object influence or reflect cultural or societal shifts?
o What does this object reveal about the relationship between technology and society
at the time of its use?
o How can this object be seen as a milestone or turning point in the history of media?
Part 2 – Reflect on your own engagement with video games.
From your object and rewritten caption, you will write a 600-to-700-word reflection paper exploring
your own personal relationship with video games. This reflection can focus on various aspects such
as a specific video game, a gaming console, the broader video game industry, or the social and
cultural impacts of video games on your life. Consider how video games have served as a medium in
your personal experience. Integrate insights from ONE of our course readings into your
reflection.
Reflection Objectives:
• Personal Connection: Share your unique experiences with video games. This could be a
memorable moment tied to a particular game, how a gaming console was part of your life at
a specific time, or how the culture around video games has influenced you (or not). What do
these experiences reveal about your interaction (or lack thereof) with video games as a
media?
• Analytical Link: Make meaningful connections between your personal experiences and
broader trends or themes discussed throughout the course. How do your individual
experiences reflect larger movements in the history of media or current discussions in the
digital culture?
• Critical Integration of Course Materials: Bring in ONE course reading, drawing a direct
line between the concepts, debates, or historical perspectives presented and your personal
narrative. This involves:
o Selecting a key concept or debate from the reading that resonates with your personal
experience with video games.
o Explaining how this reading illuminates your understanding of video games as a
medium and their impact on you or society at large.
o Providing specific examples from your life to illustrate these connections, ensuring
that the integration of the course reading deepens the reflection, rather than merely
mentioning it.
Guidelines for Reflection:
• Depth of Analysis: Your reflection should not just recount personal experiences but also
analyze them. Consider the cultural, social, or emotional significance of these experiences.
How have they shaped your understanding of media’s role in society?
• Engagement with Course Content: Your reflection should demonstrate an engagement
with the course content through the thoughtful integration of concepts from the assigned
readings (such as a quote, theme or concept). This will require you to critically apply
academic ideas to your personal experiences, offering a deeper insight into your engagement
with video games.
NOTES:
Understanding Reflection Papers
• Purpose: Reflection papers allow you to share your thoughts and analyses on a given topic,
which could stem from personal experiences, readings, or specific events. They offer a
platform for personal yet critical reflection.
• Expectations: You’re expected to provide not just a summary of the topic or experience
but also your personal reaction and learnings from it. In your paper weave in your own lived
experience.
Initiating Your Reflection Paper
1. Read Instructions Thoroughly: Ensure you grasp the assignment’s requirements by
reading through the entire assignment sheet.
2. Select a Meaningful Focus: After exploring the online exhibition, choose an object that
resonates with you, such as a significant experience, a specific video game, or a noteworthy
memory.
3. Brainstorm: Reflect on your chosen object and note initial thoughts and reactions, focusing
on how it has influenced or altered your perspective.
Writing Effectively
• Be Honest and Personal: Reflection papers are subjective. Share your genuine thoughts
and feelings.
• Maintain an Academic Tone: While personal, your paper should still adhere to academic
standards. Organize your thoughts clearly and use an appropriate tone.
• First-Person Narrative: Using “I” statements is appropriate and encouraged in reflection
papers, e.g., “I feel,” “I remember,” “I observed.”
• Link to Course Content: Try to relate your reflections to the themes, readings, or
discussions from your course. This shows your ability to apply academic concepts to real-life
experiences.
• Revise and Edit: Dedicate time to refining your paper, focusing on clarity, coherence, and
grammatical accuracy.
Overcoming Writing Challenges
• Use clear and concise language: If English isn’t your first language, don’t worry about
making it perfect. Focus on expressing your ideas clearly. Use tools like dictionaries or
grammar checkers to help with language accuracy.
• If Stuck: If you’re having trouble starting, talk it out. Discuss your ideas with friends or
family, or explain them out loud to yourself. This can help clarify your thoughts.
• Seek Feedback: Constructive input from peers or make an appointment with the Writing
Centre can be useful.
Finalizing Your Paper
• Useful Resources: Utilize the UTSC Library course page for research on video games,
citation support and resources on how to write a caption.
• Thesis Statement: Clearly articulate the central argument or point of your paper.
• Concluding Thoughts: End with a sentence that encapsulates your main insights.
• Citations: Employ proper footnote citations and include a works cited page. Adhere to
formatting guidelines: double-spaced text, 12-point Times New Roman or Arial font.
• Assignment Parameters: Keep within the four-page limit to ensure your work is read and
evaluated in its entirety.
Remember, a reflection paper is an opportunity to explore and articulate your thoughts and
experiences in connection with broader academic concepts. Embrace this chance to engage deeply
with your subject matter. Happy writing!
RUBRIC
Criteria
Excellent (17-20
marks) Good (13-16 marks)
Satisfactory (9-12
marks)
Needs
Improvement (0-
8 marks)
Structure (3
marks)
Seamless connection
between caption and
reflection, demonstrating
a coherent and unified
narrative
Clear connection
between caption and
reflection, with
minor disjointed
areas
Some connection
between caption
and reflection, but
lacks coherence
Little to no
connection
between caption
and reflection,
very disjointed
Analysis (4 marks)
Comprehensive and
insightful analysis,
situating the object
within the broader
history of video games
and/or media history.
Good analysis,
shows understanding
of the object’s place
in video game
and/or media history
Basic analysis, some
understanding of
the object’s
historical context
Minimal analysis,
lacks depth and
understanding of
historical context
Personal
Reflection (4
marks)
Deep, insightful
reflection, demonstrating
a strong personal
connection and
relevance to the topic
Clear reflection,
showing personal
connection and
relevance
Adequate reflection,
with some personal
connection or
relevance
Minimal or no
personal
reflection, lacks
connection or
relevance
Writing/Spelling
(2 marks)
Flawless writing and
spelling, professional and
clear expression
Mostly correct
writing and spelling,
with minor errors
Some errors in
writing and spelling,
affecting clarity
Numerous writing
and spelling errors,
impeding
readability
Additional
Research (4
marks)
Extensive research that
enhances and supports
the analysis and
reflection
Adequate research
that supports the
analysis and
reflection
Limited research,
providing minimal
support to the
analysis and
reflection
Little to no
research, no
support to the
analysis and
reflection
Connections to
Course Content (3
marks)
Demonstrates excellent
integration and
application of course
content, enhancing the
assignment through use
of a quote, key concept
or theme.
Good integration of
course content,
contributes to the
assignment. Limited
engagement with
course reading.
Some integration of
course content, but
not effectively used.
No course reading
included in paper.
Fails to integrate
or apply course
content effectively.
Total Marks: 20
Notes for Students:
• Ensure your work is well-structured, connecting the caption and reflection paper in a
meaningful way.
• Aim for a deep and insightful analysis that situates your chosen object within the broader
history of video games.
• Personal reflection should be substantial, showing a strong connection to the topic and
demonstrating your engagement and insights.
• Write clearly and accurately, with attention to spelling and grammar, to convey your message
effectively.
• Conduct additional research to substantiate your analysis and reflections, enhancing the
depth and breadth of your discussion.
• Make sure to link your work to course content, showing your understanding and application
of learned concepts and discussions.