| Dr. Bordelon's Introduction to Poetry |
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Essay 1 Overview | Assignment and Topics | Requirements | Planning, Drafting, and Revision Suggestions | Submission Instructions | Grading Overview The purpose of this essay is to give you a chance to develop a sustained "reading" of a poem. To encourage you to submit your best work, we'll work on this essay in parts. First you'll craft a thesis statement -- which you'll get feedback on. Then you'll plan and knock out a rough draft -- which you'll also get feedback on. We'll work on revising the draft in class -- and of course you'll work on it at home -- and then you'll proofread, proofread, proofread, and then submit the final draft. Suggestions for each of these steps are included below, and I'm always an email or office visit away. In this class we've been learning about how words make sense, and the care and craft involved with this: prepare to be careful and crafty. You'll be practicing the same in an analytical essay. Back to top Assignment Write an essay that traces one theme/idea throughout any of the poems we've read this semester. Love as pain? Love as transcending time? Memory as a way to hold back time? Art triumphing over all? The power of religion? Nature as ____? Any of these, and many others, could work as the theme. Narrow down to one idea and work from there. Need additional help? Try out ideas in class or discuss with me in conference. Consider this a chance for you to shine: readers should need sunglasses. Back to top Requirements Write an essay (title, intro, body paragraphs, conclusion: min. 1150 words) which answers your thesis. Remember: your purpose is to argue that your view is correct. As noted in class, we'll be working on this essay in stages: thesis statement, drafting, revision, and proofreading. Due dates for each step are listed in the syllabus. As you write your essay, save or print out each draft. Save all handwritten notes, scribbles, etc., as well. They will be submitted with the final draft. Getting FeedbackTo help guide your revision, you will make an appointment with me to review your rough draft. This needs to be done at least one day before the final draft is due. Sign in on the sheet posted on my office door (R211). If the times do not work for you, check with me as soon as possible so we can make other arrangements. You should also make an appointment in the Writing Center (R124 or call 732.255.0400 x2083) and have one of the tutors review your essay. Back to top Planning, Drafting, and Revision Suggestions Be sure you have read and understood the definitions of an essay, thesis and division statement, topic sentences, introduction, and conclusion included in "Dr. Bordelon's Glossary." Follow the suggestions on the "Thesis and Topic Sentences," "Planning and Drafting an Essay," and the revision pages on the course site. . Remember to check with me if you have any questions or concerns. Also check chapters and pages on writing in the textbook. We'll be working together on revision. See also the Essay Revision page. Back to top Submission Instructions Upload your essay via the Assignment page for Essay 1. Grading To receive a passing grade, you must successfully complete the following: Organization: Have a clear thesis statement, which suggests how a particular question is valid. You must also include a clear division statement which is then developed in separate paragraphs with clear topic sentences. Content: Paragraphs that use specific quotes and examples from the story to prove your point – AND a full and complete discussion on why and how that particular quote or word proves your point. REMEMBER: examples do not speak for themselves – the core of a good literary essay is in your commentary and explanations of the examples. Proofreading: Sentences that are clear and no more than 3 major errors. Major errors: Sentence fragments, run-on sentences, verb-tense error, subject-verb agreement error, unclear phrasing/tangled wording, words that I cannot decipher, and spelling/wrong word error. Back to top
© David Bordelon 2015 |