an essay

American Literature 2130 Term Paper Assignment Sheet

Creating a Comparative Close Reading of Common Themes in Three American Texts

Objective:

Over the course of the semester, we will read a wide variety of texts from many different areas of American literature. However, as we read, it will gradually become apparently that many American authors choose to address similar themes of identity, race, gender, social class, politics, etc. The purpose of this term paper is to demonstrate a connecting theme among three works, to explain how each of the authors of those works dealt with that theme differently, and how reflection on the historical context of said works can teach us something about the people and eras that produced them. In short, what greater understanding about American can culture can we gain in general through reading literature, if we apply our critical thinking skills.

Requirements:

The term paper must be at least six (6) but no more than eight (8) pages in length. Also, students must consult, quote, and cite at least three (3) works of literature that we have read over the course of the semester, as they compare and contrast those works surrounding a particular theme. Last, the term paper must consult, quote, and cite at least three (3) additional, credible, critical sources to support their interpretation of that theme among the three texts. Taken as a whole, the term paper and its works cited page must be formatted in MLA style.

Grading:

Students will be graded according to the following criteria on the term paper:

10 points – Creation of strong thesis statement, clearly stating student’s theme and argument

30 points – Selection and comparison/contrast of three works appropriate for that theme

30 points – Selection and supporting incorporation of three credible outside sources

20 points – Grammar, spelling, mechanics, punctuation, and MLA in-text citation accuracy

10 points – Completion of Works Cited page in manner consistent with current MLA standards

Due Date:

Students have the entire semester to complete this term paper, and may turn it in at any time. Although the entire last week of class will be devoted to discussion of and work on the term paper, students should avoid at all costs waiting until the last week to begin. Instead, the best method is to make notes during the semester of common themes among works that are found in class, and to have at least the outline completed by around Thanksgiving. Then, if the student would like instructor feedback before turning in the term paper, there should be time.

FINAL DUE DATE FOR TERM PAPER: DECEMBER 13, 2017 at 6:35pm