Grades:
Grades will be determined by two papers, a take-home final, and several
in-class writings/quizzes. The breakdown of the final grade is as follows:
Close Reading
25%
Research Paper
45%
Take-Home Final
20%
In-Class Writings/Quizzes
10%
100%
Final grades are averaged using a 4.0 scale (A=4.0, A-=3.66, B+=3.33, B=3.0,
and so on). Students with excused absences (preferably given before the missed
class) will not be penalized for missing an in-class writing.
In-Class Writings/Quizzes:
At various times throughout the semester, the professor will ask students to
write short (usually one-paragraph) responses to the assigned reading for the
day. In addition, there may be other in-class exercises that students will be
asked to turn in.
Close Reading:
Each student will write a five-typed-page close reading of a work from the
syllabus. The idea is to interpret from your own perspective as a modern
reader. What is an important point the work makes and what in the work brings
across this point? As a close reading, there is no research requirement, though
a few (no more than two or three) well-chosen sources to provide background can
be useful.
DUE DATE: OCTOBER 22.
Research Paper and Presentation:
Each student will do a 10-15 page typed research paper comparing an early
American writing with a nineteenth or twentieth-century work it inspired or
influenced. Works not on the syllabus may be used, but check with the professor
beforehand to get approval. Any literary or writing-related approach or theory
may be used. It is a good idea to discuss your paper with the professor as you
formulate your ideas. Papers must use MLA documentation format.
On the last night of class, students will present their research to the rest of
the class in a short (10 minute) presentation. The research papers will be due
that evening as well.
DUE DATE: DECEMBER 10.
Take-Home Final:
The final exam will be a short (no more than 5 typed pages) out-of-class essay
treating four of the works on the syllabus, two early American works and two
later works that they inspired and/or influenced. Students will compare and/or
contrast the relationship between the earlier and the later works. The essay
must be turned in by the end of the class's assigned final exam period.
DUE DATE: DECEMBER 17.