Learning How to Properly Cite Your Sources Using MLA Citation for Your Media Analysis

Learning How to Properly Cite Your Sources Using MLA Citation for Your Media Analysis Oral Presentation

You may choose to integrate a specific quotation from a secondary source as your introductory “hook” or as a part of your presentation’s conclusion, but also keep in mind that you have to use a minimum of 3 direct quotations/detailed paraphrased examples from your chosen television show in order to support your 3 points (arguments). Using rules from the MLA citation style guide for referencing, here is how you cite quotations correctly in English class!

Framing Quotations:

 When deciding where and how to include a direct quotation/paraphrased example within your presentation, be sure that you are using it effectively as a way to clarify and support an important point in your writing, but that you do not simply plunk it into your presentation without any smooth transition or explanation.  Do not overuse quotations/paraphrased examples in your presentation, because it can appear that you are letting another person’s words speak for you. Choose your quotations/paraphrased examples wisely and insert them to highlight key information.  As a result, it is crucial that you “frame” your quotations/paraphrased information to ensure that they become a clear and valuable addition to your media analysis presentation.  Framing a quotation/paraphrased example is as easy as ensuring that you introduce the quotation/paraphrased example (connect it to the point that you are attempting to prove/support, tell me who is speaking the quotation/paraphrased example – *if applicable*), insert the quotation/paraphrased example (do not forget to put a quotation within quotation marks with all punctuation kept inside those quotation marks), and explain the significance of the quotation/paraphrased example (this may occur in a separate sentence following the quotation/paraphrased example).

Introduce the quotation/paraphrased example + “Insert the quotation” or paraphrased example + Explain the quotation/paraphrased example

Quotation Format:

 If you are including a quotation/paraphrased example from a secondary source or the television show that is four lines or less, it can be placed directly within your written presentation.  If you are including a quotation/paraphrased example that is more than four lines in length, it must be separated from your written presentation, and indented. Therefore, it does not require quotation marks. Indented quotations do not need to be double spaced. Nonetheless, you should pay careful attention to spacing, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization, as all of these elements must be reproduced exactly as they appear in the original source.

Parenthetical Referencing (In-text Referencing):

 After a quotation/paraphrased example, you must reference the source in various ways depending on the type of source.  The reference must be inserted in parentheses or brackets at the end of any sentence with a direct quotation.  The following is an example of what you should put in parentheses when you are quoting or paraphrasing from a film or television show:

Film or Television Show: In the episode of Freak and Geeks, Bill's mom writes “little man” on his lunchbag, which makes him an easy target for the school bully, Allen (Director copyright date) = (Kasdan 1999)

Works Cited Page:

 On a separate sheet, included as the last page of your presentation submission, you must include a “Works Cited” page that provides a detailed citation for the sources that you referenced in your written copy.  The title of this page is Works Cited (not Bibliography)  If there is more than one citation on this page, they are ordered alphabetically by the author’s last name.  Double-space all sources provided, and indent the second, third, etc. line of a source.  The following is an example of how to properly cite the television series screened in class using correct MLA format...

Recorded Television Episodes (e.g. DVD) Cite recorded television episodes like films (see above). Begin with the episode name in quotation marks. Follow with the series name in italics. When the title of the collection of recordings is different than the original series (e.g., the show Friends is in DVD release under the title Friends: The Complete Sixth Season), list the title that would be help researchers locate the recording. Give the distributor name followed by the date of distribution. End with the medium of publication (e.g. DVD, Videocassette, Laser disc). Note: The writer may choose to include information about directors, writers, performers, producers between the title and the distributor name. Use appropriate abbreviations for these contributors (e.g. dir., writ., perf., prod.).

EXAMPLE: Freaks and Geeks:

“Pilot.” Freaks and Geeks: The Complete Series. Writ. Paul Feig. Dir. Jake Kasdan. Dreamworks, 1999. DVD.

An Electronic Source (website):

Editor, author, or compiler name (if available). Name of Site. Name of institution/organization affiliated with the site (sponsor or publisher), date of resource creation (if available). Medium of publication. Date of access.

A Helpful Website for MLA Style Rules: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/1/