1302 Papers

English 1302 Papers 1-5

ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT & PLAGIARISM

All acts of plagiarism and scholastic dishonesty, including having someone complete assignments for you, are violations of academic integrity subjected to disciplinary action.
Plagiarism is intentionally or knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as one's own.
Self-Plagiarism, which is submitting a paper you completed in another class (K-12 or college), is also forbidden.
If you plagiarize and it is unintentional, you will be given a warning. You may be asked to choose another topic. After the second incident, you will either be asked to withdraw from the course or face disciplinary action. However, if you commit an act of plagiarism or scholastic dishonesty and it is intentional, you will receive an F in the course and face disciplinary action. Click here to read my paper guidelines and policies.

USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Artificial Intelligence (AI) cannot be used to write papers, create presentations, or complete graded coursework. Any improper use of AI-programs, including but not limited to ChatGPT or DALL-E, is subject to due process and disciplinary action. However, the use of programs that assist in translating, formatting your papers, improving word choices, and utilizing proper grammar and spelling, such as Grammarly, Quillboth, and Packback, is encouraged.

Each paper is assessed based on the criteria set by this grading rubric. Click Here for Paper Guidelines and Policies.

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Paper 1: Biographical Analysis Focusing on POV, Setting, Character, Conflict, and Central Idea (Minimum Length 1000 words--Maximum 100 points)

For this paper, you will analyze one short story from the reading lists (required or optional) in which you will make connections between the author and that story. You are required to integrate 2-3 scholarly, academic sources by researching the author's biography, using the literary criticism databases provided by the ACC Library.

Throughout your essay, use examples from the story and research to support your analysis. The final draft must incorporate 3-6 direct quotes (at least one from the research) using MLA documentation. At least one quote should be a long quote in block quote format. Your block quote should be 4-10 lines (see the MLA lecture and sample paper for examples). All other quotes should be no more than a couple of lines and add significant meaning to the paper.

Be sure to properly integrate and introduce quotes in your paper, and please use in-text citations, whether you are quoting or paraphrasing. Don't give the article and journal titles in the body of the paper. Use in-text citations instead. The Works Cited is where your audience goes to view article and journal information.

Be careful not to overuse quoted material. If you incorporate quotes that dominate more than 25 percent of the body of your paper, you may be penalized or asked to make revisions.Therefore, the bulk of your paper should consist of paraphrasing and summarizing, as well as your input.

Always try to add commentary after longer quotes.

Finally, do not begin a paragraph with a quote. You need to write topic sentences that tell the audience the purpose of the paragraph.

Your library sources should support your thesis, passing the CRAAP Test. Please use scholarly articles from the library (don't Google and use unacceptable articles found in SparkNotes, Wikipedia, Shmoop, Bookrags, wikis, and Content Farms).

To access the online library databases, go to the ACC Library and click A-Z list of databases, then click Subject. You will then choose Literature and Literary Criticism. With some topics, you might be able to find useful databases via the Multi-Subject link (such as JSTOR or Academic Search Complete). At some point, you will be prompted to type in your ACCeID and password. If you need help, Ask a Librarian.

Click here to discover how to find scholarly sources on the internet.

Use the following guidelines to help you organize your outline and essay:

Introduction: Give the title of the story (enclosed in quotation marks) and the author's full name; name the point of view (first person; second person; or third person objective, omniscient, or limited omniscient); write a brief plot summary; and lastly, state the central idea -- the universal, generic truth found in the story-- include something about the author, within the central idea, or in a sentence directly before or after the statement of central idea.
In the first body paragraph, introduce the author, incorporating biographical research that promotes understanding of the story and its characters. Do not include awards, a list of works written, and accolades (1-2 short quotes required from the research).
In body paragraph two: Describe and analyze the setting, both physical and cultural. Explain how the setting contributes to the central idea. Provide examples from the story (1-2 short quotes required).
In the next paragraph (three), analyze character. Name both the protagonist and antagonist. Describe both and then determine if the protagonist is static or dynamic. If static, explain what insight they fail to gain. If dynamic, describe the character's epiphany. Analyze how the author's use of characterization supports the central idea of the story. Give examples from the story and/or research to support your claims (1-2 short quotes required).
In the final body paragraph, identify and analyze the conflict in the story. Discuss the external and internal conflict if both exist. Explain how the conflict supports the central idea of the story. Give examples from the story and/or research to support your claims (1-2 short quotes required).
Conclusion: First person is required in the conclusion for all papers in this class. Second person is not acceptable anywhere in your paper. In your conclusion, please reflect about how you relate to the story, see its connection to modern-day events, etc.
Works Cited (on a separate page)--you must include the author, title, and URL of the story. More details are needed for your secondary research sources.

Once you have a good foundation for your paper, I will need to see your outline. The outline should be no longer than one-half page and you do not have to use Roman numerals. The purpose of the outline is to examine the organization of your paper to make sure that you are on the right track. Submit your outline via the portal in the Assignment folder for this paper. I will review your outline and then let you know whether or not you need to make alterations. If I say that everything looks just fine (in the Gradebook and Feedback tab of the course menu), you can begin writing the paper. Once you have drafted and revised your paper, it's time to peer edit in the Discussion Board.

For Papers 1-3, please use the third person point of view (in the intro and body paragraphs) and follow paper guidelines and policies. There must be a clear thesis statement (the last sentence of the introduction), topic sentences in the body paragraphs that each express a main point of the thesis, and a conclusion. You must use original ideas and thoughts and give credit to sources, using in-text citations, even when paraphrasing. In addition, your essay should utilize a variety of sentence structures and word choices, as well as transitional phrases and sentences. You also need to study the grammar review where the specifics of grammar and mechanics are covered in detail. Your conclusion must be written in the first person, reflecting upon any insight gleaned from the topic.

The final version of this paper and all future papers (including the works cited) must be submitted as a single file (PDF, DOC, or DOCX) via Blackboard by the date noted on the schedule (no TXT or Pages for Apple files or links). The portal for submitting this paper and others can be found in the Assignments folder for each paper.

Please make a notation of the scores for completed tutorials and any extra credit work underneath your Works Cited page. The tutorials assigned for Paper 1-3 are required. If you do not complete them with a score of 80 percent or higher, email them to me, and/or fail to mention the scores underneath your works cited, you will be penalized.

Each paper is assessed based on the criteria set by the grading rubric.

Paper 2: Analyzing Social Injustice through Language Devices and Tone (Minimum Length 750 words--Maximum 100 points)

For this paper, you will analyze one of the stories, poems, or song lyrics from the reading list (or suggest one for approval) that make a commentary about social injustice. When you submit your outline and paper, include a link to the poem or song lyrics if it is not on the reading list. The final draft must incorporate 3-6 direct quotes using MLA documentation. You will need to have at least one quote per body paragraph. Be sure to properly integrate and introduce quotes in your paper, and please use in-text citations, whether you are quoting or paraphrasing. When citing poetry or song lyrics, give line numbers in the parenthetical citations and separate each quoted line with a slash / . Also, instead of narrator, refer to the voice in the song or poem as the speaker or songwriter(s).

Use the following outline to help you organize your essay:

1. Intro: Give the author and title and brief summary. If you are introducing a poem or song lyrics, give the title of the poem/song, style of song or poem (ballad, sonnet, free verse, rap, classic rock, etc.), and the author or authors' full name(s); write a summary or brief explication (include poetic terms if necessary). Conclude your introduction with a thesis statement/central idea connecting your piece to social injustice.

2. In the first body paragraph, discuss the use of tone and the relationship of tone to your thesis. Use adjectives and examples from the work to describe the tone. Also, note any shifts in tone (1-2 short quotes required).

3. In the next two body paragraphs, discuss two distinct language devices as they relate to the poem, song, or story's thesis. Focus on only one language device per paragraph. Examples of language devices include: personification, oxymoron, simile, metaphor, irony, allusion, symbolism, repetition, alliteration, imagery, etc. You will need at least one quote in each of these two paragraphs (1-2 short quotes per paragraph required).

4. Conclusion: First person is required in the conclusion. You will reflect on the message of social injustice of the work, discuss its social impact, and convey your personal feelings about the issue amplified.

5. Works Cited--make sure you include the author, title, and URL. Poetry and songs are short works that should be enclosed in quotation marks, like short stories.

Research is not required in this paper; however, if scholarly or background research is used, please cite all sources and list them in your Works Cited.

For Papers 1-3, please use the third person point of view (in the intro and body paragraphs) and follow paper guidelines and policies. There must be a clear thesis statement (the last sentence of the introduction), topic sentences in the body paragraphs that each express a main point of the thesis, and a conclusion. You must use original ideas and thoughts and give credit to sources, using in-text citations, even when paraphrasing. In addition, your essay should utilize a variety of sentence structures and word choices, as well as transitional phrases and sentences. You also need to study the grammar review where the specifics of grammar and mechanics are covered in detail. Your conclusion must be written in the first person, reflecting upon any insight gleaned from the topic.

Please make a notation of the scores for completed tutorials and any extra credit work underneath your Works Cited page.

Each paper is assessed based on the criteria set by the grading rubric.

Paper 3: Social Awareness in Fiction/Service Learning Paper (Minimum Length 1000 words-- Maximum 100 points)

Option One: Write a research analysis focused on a social issue (poverty, war, education, racism, immigration, relationship issues, gender issues, mental illness, PTSD, etc.) amplified in one of the short stories we've studied this semester (either on the required or optional list). Poems or songs cannot be used in this option (and do not use a work analyzed in another paper).

Introduction: Give the title of the story (enclosed in quotation marks) and the author's full name; name the point of view (first person; second person; or third person objective, omniscient, or limited omniscient); write a brief plot summary; and lastly, state the central idea -- the universal, generic truth found in the story-- include something about the social issue within the central idea, or in a sentence directly before or after the statement of central idea.

In the body paragraphs, you will conduct research, integrating 3-6 scholarly sources, related to the social issue and the connection to the story's central idea and literary elements.

In the first body paragraph, introduce the social issue, incorporating research that promotes understanding of the story and its characters. (1-2 short quotes required from the research).

In two additional body paragraphs, choose the two literary elements most tightly connected to the social issue you are amplifying:

- Analyze the setting, both physical and cultural. Explain how the setting contributes to the central idea. Provide examples from the story (1-2 short quotes required).
- Analyze character. Name both the protagonist and antagonist. Describe both and then determine if the protagonist is static or dynamic. If static, explain what insight they fail to gain. If dynamic, describe the character's epiphany. Analyze how the author's use of characterization supports the central idea and illustrates the social issue. Give examples from the story and/or research to support your claims (1-2 short quotes required).
- Analyze the conflict in the story. Discuss the external and internal conflict if both exist. Explain how the conflict supports the central idea and illustrates the social issue. Give examples from the story and/or research to support your claims (1-2 short quotes required).
- Analyze 1-2 distinct figurative language devices as they relate to the story's CI and social issue. Examples of language devices include: personification, simile, metaphor, irony, allusion, symbolism, alliteration, imagery, etc. Explain how the language device(s) support(s) the central idea and illustrate(s) the social issue. (1-2 quotes per language device required).

Conclusion: First person is required in the conclusion for all papers in this class. Second person is not acceptable anywhere in your paper. In your conclusion, please reflect about how you relate to the story, see its connection to modern-day events, etc.

Works Cited (on a separate page)--you must include the author, title, and URL of the story. More details are needed for your secondary research sources.

Option Two: Write a research analysis reflecting on your service-learning experience and its social impact on society and your community (10 extra credit points will be applied to your paper for this option).

Follow the suggested outline below:

Introduction: Summarize your service-learning activity this semester and conclude with a thesis that amplifies the social impact on society and your community (first person is okay).

In the body paragraphs, you will conduct research, integrating 3-6 scholarly sources, related to the social impact of your experience on society and your community.

Body Paragraph One: Using the research as a foundation, identify the problem or issue (1-2 short quotes required from the research).

Body Paragraph Two: Using the research, discuss how society, churches, the government, and/or the organization that you volunteered for, etc. are trying to alleviate the problem (1-2 short quotes required from the research).

Body Paragraph Three: Using the research, discuss how well-meaning institutions (such as churches, the government, and/or organizations such as the one you volunteered for, etc.) can improve their approach in dealing with this particular issue or social injustice (1-2 short quotes required from the research-- this body paragraph can be merged with your conclusion).

Conclusion: Reflect on your service-learning experience, connecting it to your research findings, discuss its social impact, and/or convey your personal feelings about the issue (first person mandatory).

For both options: In your outline, list at least one library source you will be using.

To access the online library databases, go to the ACC Library and click A-Z list of databases, then click Subject. You will then choose databases, such as the Multi-Subject link (such as JSTOR or Academic Search Complete). At some point, you will be prompted to type in your ACCeID and password. If you need help, Ask a Librarian.

Click here to discover places to find scholarly sources on the internet.

The final draft must incorporate 3-6 direct quotes or paraphrasing (at least two from the research), using MLA documentation. Be sure to properly integrate and introduce quotes in your paper, and please use in-text citations, whether you are quoting or paraphrasing. Don't give the article and journal titles in the body of the paper. Use in-text citations instead.

For Papers 1-3, please use the third person point of view (in the intro and body paragraphs) and follow paper guidelines and policies. There must be a clear thesis statement (the last sentence of the introduction), topic sentences in the body paragraphs that each express a main point of the thesis, and a conclusion. You must use original ideas and thoughts and give credit to sources, using in-text citations, even when paraphrasing. In addition, your essay should utilize a variety of sentence structures and word choices, as well as transitional phrases and sentences. You also need to study the grammar review where the specifics of grammar and mechanics are covered in detail. Your conclusion must be written in the first person, reflecting upon any insight gleaned from the topic.

Please make a notation of the score for the required tutorial and any extra credit work (not Service Learning) underneath your Works Cited page.

Each paper is assessed based on the criteria set by the grading rubric.

Paper 4: Minimum Length 750 words-- Maximum 100 points

You may choose one of the following options:

OPTION 1: Write an original short story or play in which each of the elements of short fiction are clearly utilized and support the central idea of the story: setting, point of view, character, language, tone, and conflict. Attach a short analysis of the story's central idea and three or more dominant elements (tone, setting, character, conflict, POV, language) in the story.

OPTION 2: Write an analytical paper using one of stories, poems, or songs from the reading lists (do not use a work analyzed in another paper). In this paper, you must take a critical approach using a literary theory, such as the author's biography, the story's historical background, literary criticism, psychological criticism, feminist criticism, gender studies, ethnic studies, etc. You also need to integrate literary terminology and at least three library sources.

To access the online library databases, go to the ACC Library and click A-Z list of databases, then click Subject. You will then choose Literature and Literary Criticism. With some topics, you might be able to find useful databases via the Multi-Subject link (such as JSTOR or Academic Search Complete). At some point, you will be prompted to type in your ACCeID and password. If you need help, Ask a Librarian.

Check out this handout and presentation, which will help you conduct literary research via the ACC literary databases.
Click here to discover where to find scholarly sources on the internet.

Click here to look at some literary analysis papers that take a critical stance. There is at least one on ethnic studies, one on gender studies, and one on historical studies. These are from advanced college literature courses, but they still give you an idea of what literary theory encompasses.

In your outline, list at least one library source that you will be using.

OPTION 3:

Write a comparison/contrast of any two short stories (from the reading lists) or any two poems or songs of your choosing. Do not use a work used in a previous assignment. Please try to choose pieces with similar themes and/or structures--this is very important.

Your paper must include at least three direct quotes using MLA documentation. In your essay, compare and contrast the central idea of the two works, as well as two dominant elements (point of view, setting, character, conflict, two language devices, and/or tone). Stay away from point of view in music and poetry.

Use the following guidelines to help you organize your outline and essay:

Introduction: Write an introduction with the titles, authors' names, and brief plot summaries. Your final sentence should tie the two works together in a statement of central idea or a thesis statement.
Choose two or more dominant elements to compare and contrast in at least two body paragraphs: point of view, setting, character, conflict, two language devices, and tone. Stay away from point of view in music and poetry (1-2 short quotes required per body paragraph).
Conclusion: Compare and contrast the central idea or theme and bring your paper to a close. First person is required.
Works Cited--include two separate entries with the authors, titles, and URLs.

Research is not required in this option; however, if scholarly or background research is used, please cite all sources and list them in your Works Cited.

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Once you have a good foundation for your paper, I will need to see your outline. The outline should be no longer than one-half page and you do not have to use Roman numerals. The purpose of the outline is to examine the organization of your paper to make sure that you are on the right track. Submit your outline via the portal in the Assignment folder for each paper in Blackboard. I will review your outline and then let you know whether or not you need to make alterations. If I say that everything looks just fine (in the Gradebook and Feedback tab of the course menu), you can begin writing the paper. Once you have drafted and revised your paper, it's time to peer edit in the Discussion Board.

For non-creative options, please use the third person point of view (in the intro and body paragraphs) and follow paper guidelines and policies.There must be a clear thesis statement (the last sentence of the introduction), topic sentences in the body paragraphs that each express a main point of the thesis (or central idea), and a conclusion. You must use original ideas and thoughts and give credit to sources, using in-text citations, even when paraphrasing. In addition, your essay should utilize a variety of sentence structures and word choices, as well as transitional phrases and sentences. You also need to study the grammar review where the specifics of grammar and mechanics are covered in detail. Your conclusion must be written in the first person, reflecting upon any insight gleaned from the topic, author(s), or work(s).

Please make a notation of the completion of any extra credit work completed underneath your Works Cited page (not Service Learning).
NOTE: Revisions for extra credit are not allowed for this paper unless it is submitted before the hard due date.

Each paper is assessed based on the criteria set by the grading rubric.

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Group Work

If you want to get together with 1-2 other students and agree to write this paper as a group, I will allow it. You cannot write your paper as a group, however, if you are using the creative writing option. If I observe a member who is causing the team difficulty by not participating adequately, not meeting deadlines for tasks, not communicating, etc., then that student will be removed from the team and asked to create a completely different paper on his or her own.

If you choose this option, I will expect to observe several activities:

1. Requesting that the teacher create a Group Folder in Blackboard.

2. Brainstorming and deciding on the topic, then submitting outline before the hard due date (all group members must submit identical outlines).

3. Dividing up various responsibilities regarding the paper and setting up deadlines for each responsibility. For example, you might want to decide that one person writes the introduction and conclusion, while other members write other sections of the paper. Either way, it is a group effort. Even if one person doesn't do his or her share, you are all still responsible for the final product. (I will deal with the person who is not contributing and you can certainly alert me to that fact as well.)

4. Putting together a rough draft for the paper that everyone proofreads and comments on. One person in the group must submit the first take; the other the second. All members of the group are responsible for helping two students or more in the Discussion Board and posting a total of at least three times.

5. Collaborating and communicating in a respectful manner throughout the process.

6. Submitting the outline and final paper (with the names of all students in the group in the heading). All submissions should be identical with the exception of the conclusion, which is a first-person reflection.

If you have any questions or concerns about this option, please do not hesitate to contact me.

***Please note that the creative writing options DO NOT include the opportunity to write the paper with a partner or group.

PAPER 5: Reflective Essay (Minimum Length 500 words-- Maximum 100 points)

This paper focuses on three questions that must be answered, which will all together consist of 3-4 paragraphs. There is no required introduction or conclusion, but you want to begin and end strong.

Please use first person point of view and follow paper guidelines and policies, including MLA format.
There must be clear organization and no more than 3-4 short paragraphs. In addition, your essay should be thoroughly proofread and utilize a variety of sentence structures and word choices, as well as transitional phrases and sentences.

Directions: Answer the three questions below and write approximately 200 words per question. Draw upon specific activities, assignments, and work habits/study strategies from the semester to answer the questions. The goal of this self-analysis is to assess how you have developed as a thinker and writer since the beginning of the semester. Do not state the question or number chosen--just let your ideas flow in an organized manner.

Reflect on your growth as a writer. How has this course helped to improve your writing abilities? Pick two papers from this semester. Ideally, one should be from the beginning of the semester and the other from the end. Discuss how you have grown by identifying 1-2 areas where you felt you evolved as a writer and/or a thinker. Provide specific examples from at least one paper to support your assertions. Some things to consider include the ability to articulate and support a thesis or central idea, the ability to identify and effectively use appropriate sources, and the ability to organize, format, and proofread an essay. Discuss at least one of these skills that have improved as a result of taking this course.
A key goal of this course is to foster curiosity about the world and openness to new ways of thinking. How did this course affect you in at least one of these categories? Which activity, reading, or writing assignment was most meaningful to you this semester and why?
How were you able to successfully complete this course? Be specific about strategies that helped you to succeed, whether provided by the instructor or that you developed on your own (or learned elsewhere). Feel free to compare this course to others you have taken. If you feel that you were not successful in this course, what strategies will you use in future courses and/or suggest the instructor adopt to ensure a more positive result?

You are not required to submit an outline for this paper. However, I will be happy to look at your rough draft and give you GENERAL feedback in the discussion board (BB5). Be sure that you post your paper for review within 48 hours of the due date (if you want two takes) and within four hours of the due date for just one.

There is no grace period for this paper and revisions for extra credit are not allowed.
NOTE: Once you turn in this final paper, check your email by noon (the following day) to see if I have contacted you about a problem with your submission (or a borderline grade that merits consideration). Also, you will need to check again once I have graded your final paper (give me 48 hours). Make sure that no grades are missing and that your final grade reflects your work.

The final version of this paper must be submitted as a single document file (PDF, DOC, or DOCX) via Blackboard (SafeAssign) by the date noted on the schedule (no TXT or Pages for Apple files).

You must earn a grade of 70 percent or higher on this essay in order to pass the course.