Essay 1 - Graphic Novels

Dr. Bordelon's Graphic Novel Course
Lesson Plans \| Course Documents \| Links \| Citing Sources \| Writing Center \| Home Page Essay 1 Assignment Write an essay that traces one theme/idea throughout any of the books we've read so far this semester. The goal here is to see how these artists can develop and sustain a theme over the course of text. It allows you to tie together some of the different elements we've discussed -- theme, lines, images, panels, transitions, etc. -- into a cohesive argument. Requirements Craft 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. Use MLA format throughout. As noted in class, we'll be working on this essay in stages: thesis statement, drafting, revision, and proofreading. To 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. Submission Instructions Upload the final, revised version of the essay to the appropriate assignment page on the course site. . Follow sample MLA format essay ("Course Documents") for format. This, my friends, is a no-brainer: take the sample essay in one hand, and your essay in the other and make your essay match the layout of name, line spacing, page numbering, etc. from the sample essay. All of the essays handed in need to have a title. Be sure to proofread carefully – as the writer of the paper you are responsible for any grammatical or typographical errors. And as noted above, be sure to include a correctly formatted Work Cited page (See "Citing Sources" link on the left). 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.

Dr. Bordelon's Graphic Novel Course

Essay 1

Assignment
Write an essay that traces one theme/idea throughout any of the books we've read so far this semester.

The goal here is to see how these artists can develop and sustain a theme over the course of text. It allows you to tie together some of the different elements we've discussed -- theme, lines, images, panels, transitions, etc. -- into a cohesive argument.

Requirements
Craft 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. Use MLA format throughout.

As noted in class, we'll be working on this essay in stages: thesis statement, drafting, revision, and proofreading.

To 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.

Submission Instructions
Upload the final, revised version of the essay to the appropriate assignment page on the course site. . Follow sample MLA format essay ("Course Documents") for format. This, my friends, is a no-brainer: take the sample essay in one hand, and your essay in the other and make your essay match the layout of name, line spacing, page numbering, etc. from the sample essay. All of the essays handed in need to have a title.

Be sure to proofread carefully – as the writer of the paper you are responsible for any grammatical or typographical errors. And as noted above, be sure to include a correctly formatted Work Cited page (See "Citing Sources" link on the left).

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.