1302 Papers Service Learning

English 1302 (Service Learning) Writing Assignments

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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Note: There are four major papers (3500+ words) and three journals (750+ words) assigned for this class, totaling 4000+ words.

Paper 1: Biographical Analysis Research Focusing on POV, Setting, Character, Conflict, and Central Idea (1000-1200 words--100 points)

For this paper, you will analyze one short story from the reading list (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.

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 personally relate to the story, connecting it 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 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, you can begin writing the paper. Once you have drafted and revised your paper, it's time to peer edit in the Discussion Board.

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; you will reflect 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.
Please make a notation of any extra credit earned underneath the Works Cited page.

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

Click here to view sample papers and outlines for the biographical research analysis paper.

Paper 2: Analyzing Social Injustice through Language Devices and Tone (750-1000 words--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 background research is used to understand historical allusions, please cite all sources (no more than two) and list them in your Works Cited.

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; you will reflect 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.

Please make a notation of any extra credit earned underneath your WC (no service learning).

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

Click here to view sample papers and outlines for this assignment.

Paper 3: Service-Learning Paper (1000-1200 words-- 100 points)

Write a research analysis reflecting on your service-learning experience and its social impact on society and your community. 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. Feel free to include the short stories, poetry, and music we studied this semester.

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

Body Paragraph Two: Using the research as a foundation, 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).

Body Paragraph Three: Using the research as a foundation, 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-- 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).

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

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.

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.

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; you will reflect 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.

Please make a notation of any extra credit earned underneath your WC (no service learning).

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

Click here to view sample papers and outlines for this assignment.

Paper 4: Creative Analysis (750-1000 words-- 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.

Click here for a sample paper and outline for the original short story and outline.

OPTION 2: Write an analytical paper using one of stories, poems, or songs from the reading list (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 for a sample analytical paper for option two.

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.

OPTION 3:

Write a comparison/contrast of any two short stories (from the reading list) 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 paper; however, if background research is used to understand historical allusions, please cite all sources (no more than two) and list them in your Works Cited.

Click here to view a sample comparison/contrast paper.

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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).
The final version of this paper must be submitted as a single file (PDF, DOC, or DOCX) by the date noted on the schedule (no TXT or Pages for Apple files or links).
Do not use Apple Pages files. Do not use your smartphone to submit papers for a grade.

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

Click here for a sample paper and outline for the original short story and outline (option one).

Click here for a sample analytical paper (option two).

Click here to view a sample comparison/contrast paper (option three).

For those of you presenting at the showcase, click here to view showcase examples from the past few years. There is a template for the tri-fold on the website; here's the direct link. Here is one student's outline of his tri-fold poster: Mock Up Poster-1.pdf

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Group Work

If you want to get together with 1-2 other students and agree to write the final paper as a group, I will allow it. You cannot write your paper as a group 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.

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

6. Submitting the 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.