"Writing and thinking and learning are the same process."
- William Zinsser
The essays are about making connections--connections between works and ideas studied during the semester and connections between the past and the present. The essays address the following course goals:
critically read texts from the Nineteenth, Twentieth, and Twenty-first Centuries, isolating elements relevant to the study of major ideas, philosophies, and modes of thought of this period
synthesize elements from various sources (including both literature and the fine arts) to formulate new understandings of core ideas and attitudes within their period or across periods
critically analyze competing hypotheses to form a judgment supported by a substantiated rationale, and evaluate the judgments and rationales of others
critically analyze the impact of the Nineteenth, Twentieth, and Twenty-first Centuries upon today’s society
demonstrate effective, refined writing skills
further develop lifelong learning skills in critical analysis and effective communication
ESSAY #1
(4-6 pages)
Write an essay comparing two works we have studied this semester.
ESSAY #2
(4-6 pages) Write an essay arguing for the contemporary relevance of any work we have studied this semester.
NOTES
You may choose to write the essays in whichever order you choose (#1, then #2; or #2, then #1). Neither paper requires research, though you may find it helpful to do some. You may write one of the two essays in a nontraditional and/or creative form (though you may write both as formal essays, if you wish). Examples of nontraditional form could include dialogue, narrative, allegory, parody, poem, video, etc. Please run your idea by me before you get too far into it.
EVALUATION
Your essay will be evaluated as an argument. It should put forth a thesis and be supported by evidence, including quotes from the text. A superior essay will exhibit insight, a clear sense of purpose and direction, effective organization, and a readable, well edited style.
If you write a nontraditional essay, include a paragraph (at the beginning or end) that explains your approach and states directly your thesis and conclusions.
Essay Revision Option
You have the option of revising either Essay 1 or Essay 2 for a higher grade. I will replace the old grade with the new one (if the new one is higher). In order to submit a revision you must:
Turn in both the new draft and the original draft with my comments.
Make substantive changes to content and/or organization. I will not re-grade a paper that only has changes to style and mechanics.
Write a brief cover letter explaining the changes you made and why they improve the paper.
I would be happy to meet with anyone considering a revision to discuss how you could improve your essay.
RATIONALE
"Writing and thinking and learning are the same process."
- William Zinsser
The essays are about making connections--connections between works and ideas studied during the semester and connections between the past and the present. The essays address the following course goals:
ESSAY #1
(4-6 pages)Write an essay comparing two works we have studied this semester.
ESSAY #2
(4-6 pages)Write an essay arguing for the contemporary relevance of any work we have studied this semester.
NOTES
You may choose to write the essays in whichever order you choose (#1, then #2; or #2, then #1). Neither paper requires research, though you may find it helpful to do some. You may write one of the two essays in a nontraditional and/or creative form (though you may write both as formal essays, if you wish). Examples of nontraditional form could include dialogue, narrative, allegory, parody, poem, video, etc. Please run your idea by me before you get too far into it.EVALUATION
Your essay will be evaluated as an argument. It should put forth a thesis and be supported by evidence, including quotes from the text. A superior essay will exhibit insight, a clear sense of purpose and direction, effective organization, and a readable, well edited style.If you write a nontraditional essay, include a paragraph (at the beginning or end) that explains your approach and states directly your thesis and conclusions.
Essay Revision Option
You have the option of revising either Essay 1 or Essay 2 for a higher grade. I will replace the old grade with the new one (if the new one is higher). In order to submit a revision you must:- Turn in both the new draft and the original draft with my comments.
- Make substantive changes to content and/or organization. I will not re-grade a paper that only has changes to style and mechanics.
- Write a brief cover letter explaining the changes you made and why they improve the paper.
I would be happy to meet with anyone considering a revision to discuss how you could improve your essay.