To
write the explication essay, you will be using a computer tool that
is designed to help you improve your skills in literary analysis.
In this assignment, you will use a program that will guide you through
the steps of analyzing a textual passage. Following the steps set
out in the application, you will write a well-developed essay that
you will email to me. Please come see me if you have any questions
about the technology aspect of this assignment.
The three tests
are non-cumulative. In each test, you will be asked to write two detailed
essays that analyze textual passages that have been discussed or referred
to in class. To prepare for the tests
- read the texts
carefully
- think
about what they mean to you
- pay careful
attention during class discussions
- write out
responses to the study guide questions
- keep a writing
journal.
Also, practice
with the computer tool that you used for the explication essay. Bring
small blue books for the tests.
For the paper
assignment (four to five pages), you will write a well-supported argument
that considers at least two of the texts covered in the syllabus.
I will be handing out a more detailed assignment sheet as well as
a list of topics. If you want to write on your own topic, you must
discuss it with me first.
For the oral
presentation, you will work with a partner to present a brief biography
of the writer(s) and introduction to the text(s) that we will be covering
for the day to help jumpstart the day's discussion. I will pair you
up with someone in class and give you your assignment by the end of
week 2, unless you tell me in advance that you've already found a
class partner yourself and/or have a strong preference for completing
your assignment on a certain author or date. You and your partner
will have a total of 10 minutes for your presentation.
You will need
to be in class for class participation, and you should always be prepared
to respond to the reading questions that will be handed out for each
text. I may call on you to respond to a specific question or to discuss
a passage that you think is important, for which you can identify
key themes, issues, and connections. And sometimes I may ask the whole
class to write briefly on either a reading question or a passage.
Your attendance
is extremely important for the success of this class. Please arrive
on time and don't leave early, unless unavoidable circumstances arise.
