Before class on Thurs June 18th, write a draft of a 4-6 page argument paper on whether Scarface was a dangerous movie and should have been censored.   The draft, as well as the final paper, should be typed and double spaced and include in-text citations using the MLA or other specified format (APA in-text citations or Chicago footnotes) and a Works Cited page (or References for APA, Bibliography for Chicago).  Include a new or revised introduction and rough out the new sections of your paper with transitions added to older material.  I will give you 30 minutes to work on your drafts at the beginning of class while I talk to you individually. The more you do ahead of time the more you will get out of the extension till Tues June 23rd but you will have some time in class to revise your intro, rough out new sections, and add transitions.  You will then read each others drafts in class and fill out the following paper editing sheet. 

In your paper, discuss at least two changes made to the movie in response to the censors and explain why you think the alterations improve or harm the film.  Also indicate whether these changes reflect the concerns seen in the Hays' Code.  Include a discussion of the relevant background material covered in McCarthy, Jacobs and Black and a detailed analysis of individual scenes (from the film and scripts) as you develop and support your thesis on:  1) whether the film was dangerous or not; 2) whether it should or should not have been censored; and 3) whether the changes that were made were successful or harmed the film.  If you think the changes harmed the film, discuss whether you think they were justified anyway and why.  Remember that a thesis is more than a topic; it's a position you take on an issue or the answer you give to a question you have asked.   

The revised argument paper is due at the beginning of class on Tues June 23rd. You can also hand in the final paper on Thurs June 18th if you prefer. Those who miss class on Thurs do not have the option of the extension and their paper will be considered late after that.  The revised paper must include a works cited page /list of references and indicate whether you are following MLA, APA or Chicago (see Hacker's online documentation guide).        

In your last paper, you described and analyzed two or more changes made to the film made at the behest of the Hays' Office.  Now, you should take a position on whether Scarface as originally conceived and/or filmed (in the script and/or the early shootings) was a dangerous film and should have been censored.    Your argument about whether the film should have been censored or not may be based on your position about the dangers the film posed to society but you can also focus on how the changes that were made were unsuccessful.  You may also want to include as part of your argument your position on censorship and the 1st Amendment.