American Literature Essay

ENG 3323: American Literature since 1865 Prof. Amanda Kale

Unit Essay Guidelines

Kale 1

ESSAY DUE: Friday, June 4th , 2021 @ 11:59 pm

(submit on Moodle) Prompt

During the late nineteenth century into the twentieth century (otherwise known as a “Turn of the Century”), American literature underwent a decisive shift in its transition from Realism, to Modernism. Some claim Modernism is a more radical, and even political, force that propelled literature as a vehicle for social commentary (and perhaps change). Others argue that Realism was the true defining shift in modern American literature (and post-Civil War literature), as it laid the foundation for modernist experimentation by exposing the truth and honesty of Americn life.

Considering this, which do you agree with? Do you agree with this at all? Which movement, do you feel, best defined America? If you disagree with both, please explain your reasonings why.

Guidelines

à Write an essay of 1,000 words MINIMUM – 1,250 MAX (1,250 being a firm limit, not a goal) answering the above prompt.

à Choose at least two of the assigned readings from this unit. Both must be from separate weeks (i.e., Langston Hughes’s “I, Too” from week 4, and Stephen Crane’s Red Badge of Courage from week 1) and compare/contrast the chosen texts in response to the above prompt.

à This essay is not long, and does not give a lot of room for much expansion; therefore, theses must be clear, specific, concise and direct.

à In all cases, essays should answer with close reference to the chosen texts; you may briefly refer to additional selected readings from the unit to support a point or establish relevant context, but your close analysis needs to focus itself on the two texts chosen.

à In addition, please draw from one relevant critical (i.e. secondary) work when setting forth your argument—however, this should only briefly support your argument. Again, your analysis should focus itself on the chosen texts. JSTOR.org is an excellent resource. Likewise – I provide secondary sources each week! Use them!

à Please conform with MLA style (in-text citations & Works Cited page; not footnotes & bibliography). 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced, 1-inch margins. Number your pages with your last name (i.e. “Kale 1” “Kale 2” etc.), either top or bottom. Acceptable grammar and punctuation is required.

à I encourage you to reach out and discuss any questions you may have while writing your essay. I am available either through email or video chat during my office hours. If this is needed, I strongly encourage you to reach out sooner rather than later (i.e NOT right up against the deadline, please).

All essays must be submitted via Moodle, under the Unit Essay 5B link in Week 5.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out! J

ENG 3323: American Literature since 1865 Prof. Amanda Kale

Unit Essay Guidelines

Kale 2

Essay Rubric Directions: Your essay will be graded based on this rubric. Consequently, use this rubric as a guide when writing your essay and check it again before you submit your essay.

Traits 4 3 2 1

Focus & Details

There is one clear, well- focused topic. Main ideas are clear and are well supported by detailed and accurate information.

There is one clear, well- focused topic. Main ideas are clear but are not well supported by detailed information.

There is one topic. Main ideas are somewhat clear.

The topic and main ideas are not clear.

Organization The introduction is inviting, states the main topic, and provides an overview of the paper. Information is relevant and presented in a logical order. The conclusion is strong.

The introduction states the main topic and provides an overview of the paper. A conclusion is included.

The introduction states the main topic. A conclusion is included.

There is no clear introduction, structure, or conclusion.

Voice The author’s purpose of writing is very clear, and there is strong evidence of attention to audience. The author’s extensive knowledge and/or experience with the topic is/are evident.

The author’s purpose of writing is somewhat clear, and there is some evidence of attention to audience. The author’s knowledge and/or experience with the topic is/are evident.

The author’s purpose of writing is somewhat clear, and there is evidence of attention to audience. The author’s knowledge and/or experience with the topic is/are limited.

The author’s purpose of writing is unclear.

Word Choice The author uses vivid words and phrases. The choice and placement of words seems accurate, natural, and not forced.

The author uses vivid words and phrases. The choice and placement of words is inaccurate at times and/or seems overdone.

The author uses words that communicate clearly, but the writing lacks variety.

The writer uses a limited vocabulary. Jargon or clichés may be present and detract from the meaning.

Sentence Structure, Grammar, Mechanics, & Spelling

All sentences are well constructed and have varied structure and length. The author makes no errors in grammar, mechanics, and/or spelling.

Most sentences are well constructed and have varied structure and length. The author makes a few errors in grammar, mechanics, and/or spelling, but they do not interfere with understanding.

Most sentences are well constructed, but they have a similar structure and/or length. The author makes several errors in grammar, mechanics, and/or spelling that interfere with understanding.

Sentences sound awkward, are distractingly repetitive, or are difficult to understand. The author makes numerous errors in grammar, mechanics, and/or spelling that interfere with understanding.

Reviewer’s Comments

Name: _________________________________________________ Date: _________________________