Follow this format: One-inch margins top & bottom, 12 pt. font, double-spaced, with correct use of footnotes and bibliography when used (refer to the MLA Style Manual). Do not use overly long or frequent quotations. Include page numbers. I am interested in your original ideas, not in paraphrases of reading material or of other writers. If you do use outside works for reference, make sure you refer to them in footnotes. It is not difficult to distinguish the difference between your own thoughts and those of professional writers. Pay attention to good organization and logical transitions between paragraphs. Base your arguments on close readings, give concrete examples, avoid vague impressions.

In your assignments you should try to give a general overview of the topic in question, but then undertake specific analyses of works we have read. Try to show how the general can be seen in the particular keeping in mind that your are demonstrating the special relationship between literature and society. When you do refer to works of literature you should try to analyze the specific details of them and relate this analysis to the assignment topic, and your discussion of it.

Word-processed in Microsoft Word.
Send as attachment via email or bring hardcopy to class by due date.
Type your name at the top of the assignment.

Two pages = approximately 500 words.

One could write many more pages on the assignment topics you will be given. Please do not do so, and follow the guidelines as required. The goal is to organize your ideas and deliver them in the given length and format. One aspect of writing effectively is to express maximum meaning, with the minimum number of words. Here is a useful format to follow: The Five Paragraph Essay.

If sending electronically - in the email subject line, type: Last Name - FL 221 - A1
[for Assignment One, A2 for Assignment Two, A3 for Assignment Three.

Grading Rubric

Excellent ['A' range: 90-93 = A- / 94-97 = A / 98-100 = A+]

An assignment in the excellent range addresses the topic assignment,
follows the above guidelines, and meets these criteria:

(I) Introduction [leads reader into topic and ends with a clear thesis];

(II) Analysis [a discussion that supports and illustrates thesis; analysis
of works when appropriate];

(III) Organization [arguments easy to follow; one section follows
logically from another];

(IV) Conclusion [effective summary of main findings that follow
logically from analysis];

(V) Quotations [well-chosen to support arguments; integrated
well, and presented correctly];

(VI) Length and Depth [follows length guidelines,
and topic is covered in enough detail];

(VII) Information [the content information is correct];

(VIII) Grammar, Spelling, Style, Tone [free of grammatical errors and
spelling mistakes; readable with appropriate tone].

Very Good ['B' range: 80-83 = B- / 84-86 = B / 87-89 = B+]

Generally well written, but weaker
than the excellent essay in one or more areas.

Acceptable ['C' range: 70-73 = C- / 74-76 = C / 77-79 = C+]

Fairly well written, but weaker than the
very good essay in one or more areas.

Significant Improvement Needed ['D' range: 60-63 = D- / 64-66 = D / 67-69 = D+]

Meets the minimum requirements.

Unacceptable ['F' range: 0-59]

Fails to meet the criteria with an accepted level of competence.

Keys to Successful Writing

Complete reading material; then, reflect on it and make an outline of your ideas; write by hand an initial draft; type second draft; print, proofread, and edit as necessary; revise final draft and print; proofread once more and then it is ready to send. This is an important key to successful writing, and this is how you will evaluated in the course: by your ability to synthesize the content material into short, well conceived, clearly developed, and cohesive essays. Treat these assignments as if they are articles you are writing for a newspaper or magazine. Inform your reader through thoughtful and interesting prose. The assignments are very general topics: choose one or two points of interest to you, and develop them in an original way.