Early American Literature
End-of-term Essay
Length: 3-4 pages
Due:
Objective: demonstrate an understanding of these works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and social context
Wondering why we wrote those mini-assignments all semester? YOU MAY USE CORRECTED VERSIONS AS YOUR BODY PARAGRAPHS!
Assignment: Pulling specific examples texts we’ve read this semester, write a researched, thesis-driven paper on the assignments below.
Identify values from at least 3 different time periods that are still held today. In other words, what did they believe, value, think back then that we still believe in, value, or think today?
Sources: Use at least 3 of the texts we’ve discussed this semester, and at least 5 academic outside sources. No Wikipedia. No websites. DO use the library’s on-line data base in addition to any relevant library books.
Documentation Requirements: Use MLA in-text citations (parentheticals) and a properly formatted Works Cited page. Consult the various links on e-campus for MLA documentation. Use the Citation Link on the Library Database.
Strong warnings:
· Do NOT just summarize. This assignment does not ask you to summarize what we’ve read. Assume the reader has already read whatever text you’ll be including.
· Punctuate titles correctly.
· Craft an arguable/provable thesis statement.
· Spin arguable/provable topic sentences off that thesis.
· Include specific examples from the texts to support your claims.
· Beware of the plagiarism pit of despair. Even if you just summarize someone else’s ideas, you must cite the source. And ALWAYS use “quotation marks” when you use the exact word(s) of a source.
Steps:
1. List the texts we’ve used this semester.
2. Brainstorm/identify examples of values and beliefs in each text.
3. Skim through the texts looking for examples you could include in your argument.
4. Decide how you want to organize your body paragraphs.
5. Start a rough draft of your paper.
6. Go to the Library website and click Research or Databases.
7. Begin to skim through some outside sources.
8. Synthesize outside sources into your argument. Be sure to document appropriately.
9. Craft a thesis statement that answers the question of the assignment.
10. Create your works cited page for every source you used in your paper.
11. Edit, revise, reconsider your argument.
12. Proofread.
Concluding paragraph: Make your concluding paragraph meaningful. What conclusion can you draw from what you just argued? For example, what does it suggest about human nature, progress, etc.
Term paper calendar:
Assignment distributed:
Brainstorming & outlining:
Work on rough drafts:
Library database exploration:
MLA review:
Teamwork/Study Group:
Library research day:
Teamwork/Study Group:
Essay due:
