The Modes of Discourse: You will write three major papers this year. You have some latitude in terms of which type of paper you want to produce for which unit. Papers must be submitted in MLA format (one inch margins!!!), with an ANNOTATED Works Cited page if you cite sources other than the major text in question. All papers must be a minimum of 5 pages in length (this does not mean 4¾, okay? I would really suggest 6-7 pp). Regardless of what paper/project type and topic you choose, your evaluation will be based upon FOUR key factors:
- Depth of analysis and demonstration of intellectual curiosity--"perspicacity!" Take risks with your analysis and make it original, even provocative.
- Elegant and ample use of textual evidence.
- Fluency--you must elevate your diction, use a variety of sentence types, and be fastidious about mechanics and usage. (Generally, a paper with more than two errors per page is not an A paper.)
- Responsible use of primary and secondary sources--when in doubt, cite it! Don't take chances with your integrity.
Each assignment includes checkpoints where we will observe the development of your thinking.
- Paper Proposal-- there is a Google Form in the Classroom for you to complete before each major paper.
- Draft for peer review.
- Final draft, including final annotated bibliography.
- Traditional Literary Analysis: Paper chosen from list of topics OR a paper written from the standpoint of a critical lens (Marxist, Feminist, etc.). You can find an excellent and accessible explanation of the various critical theories HERE.
- Craft and Critique: A multifaceted paper exploring everything from the writer's life and times to her techniques to what scholars make of the text.
- Poetry Paper: Can analyze a one or more poets, poems, or Shakespeare plays—can focus on a theme across poems/plays, a study of a single poet, an examination of technique/theme. The poetry paper should focus on HOW THE WRITER USES LANGUAGE TO CONVEY HIS OR HER THEMES.