1. Developing a Thesis

2. Original Thesis Thesis: The treatment of racism in movies reflects the racism in society at the time. Problem: Not too interesting. Seems self- evident

3. Be more Specific Revised Thesis: As racism changed over time in America, racism within the justice system in movies changed with it. Still a bit vague… Does changed mean increased or decreased?

4. More Specific and Detailed To Kill a Mockingbird A Soldier’s Story 12 Angry Men Philadelphia Okay….what do these movies have in common? what’s different?

5. Try Broadening Discrimination What about women? Working Girl…did that have a trial in it? Other movies?

6. Take Stock I could do more research Based on what I know now, let’s try to formulate a new thesis Key terms - discrimination, courtroom dramas, justice

7. New Thesis Hollywood has used courtroom dramas to model the ideal of equal justice for all as a means of overcoming discrimination.

8. Compare Original Thesis: The treatment of racism in movies reflects the racism in society at the time. More Developed Thesis: Hollywood courtroom dramas model the ideal of equal justice for all as a means of overcoming discrimination.