Major essay: You are required to write a 6-8 page paper on a topic of interest, related to the class material or any aspect of popular culture that is relevant to you. Your final essay can build on the critical papers you have already written for this class, or it can explore and research a completely new topic of interest to you. If you have picked a new topic and you find that you have reached a deadlock with your research, please feel free to look into new topics that promise to be more productive. As long as your essay is submitted on time, you can definitely use the time you have to write it to explore as many angles as you feel comfortable with. The essay should include references to at least five academic sources (refereed books and articles). Separate chapters in a book can be considered separate references. When writing your essay please double-space, use font 12, number your pages consecutively and follow an approved citation system. Structure your essay using a clear introductory exposition, a substantial development section where issues are explored in reference to relevant scholarly writing, and end with a summary/conclusion. Make sure you have a well-developed thesis statement in which you clearly state your main arguments, how you will develop them, what feminist discourses you will use to support your ideas, and what your conclusion will be. Think about the thesis statement as a road map that you give to someone looking for directions: it should clearly indicate to your reader what s/he expects to find when reading your paper. You may use the ‘first person’ when writing if you wish. A separate Reference list is required at the end of the paper. I would like the paper to be on the pop culture subject of the “Socialization of Our Children Through Toys and Media” Examples: G.I. Joes, Barbies, Disney Characters, Dolls, Cars, Kitchens and Workshops