• Present a thesis-driven argument and analysis following MLA documentation standards.
• Write critical papers that make arguments salient to the students’ reading of the texts in question.
• Demonstrate familiarity with the diversity and backgrounds of American cultures.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and reading skills when reading and responding to texts.
• Demonstrate understanding of how cultural and political movements have affected the literary arts.
• Demonstrate a broad understanding of American and wodd history through consideration of the various cultural contexts of various texts.
Perform the following tasks:
Step 1: Present a thesis-based analysis which proves a relevant point about the text.
o Avoid arming the obvious (es, “Anne Bradstreet was a Puritan”).
o The contents of the paper should all work toward proving this thesis. Use quotes and examples from the texts to help you prove your point, but avoid extensive paraphrasing of the text. o Assume your audience has read the texts in question. o Demonstrate throughout the paper why your point is relevant and how it helps us reach a greater understanding of the work in question. Note that pointing out a comparison or something similar is not interesting on its own terms; instead, show why such a comparison is useful. o You may use sources beyond the text, but they must be approved sources; ideally from books, library databases; or joumals. Internet sources (not to be confused with database sources accessed via the net) must be approved in advance. o In any cases, you must cite all sources referred to, no matter how much you’ve paraphrased the idea and regardless of how oblique your reference is. If you are quoting something not specifically referred to in your textbook, consult the MLA Guide available through the library or the instructor.
Step 2: Select a topic:Symbolism and the incest theme in “Fall of the House of Usher.”
