American Lit II Mid-Term

Research Essay

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Dr. Bordelon's American Lit II On Campus

Mid-Term

Assignment
Your goal is to demonstrate an understanding of the basic tenets of the three main literary movements covered in this course -- Realism, Naturalism, and Modernism -- and an understanding of how these tenets manifest themselves in specific works of literature.

There will be a mix of in class work and, if you choose, out of class work as well.

In general, you'll be writing several short paragraphs both defining the main tenets of the literary movement and then applying one of these tenets to a specific work we've discussed (remember to cite any quotations and cite if you summarize). The work doesn't have to be explicitly connected to a specific movement, but you should use a different work for each of the three literary movements.

In-Class - Part A (50% of grade)
Without textbook

Paragraph on Realism: definition (dates? major authors?) and a description of its tenets.
Naturalism: definition (dates? major authors?) and a description of its tenets.
Modernism: definition (dates? major authors?) and a description of its tenets.

In-Class or Out of Class - Part B (50% of grade)
Either in or out of class (your choice), this section is due on the day of the mid-term. You may use your textbook for these questions.

Paragraph arguing how one aspect of realism is revealed in a specific work
Paragraph arguing how one aspect of Naturalism is revealed in a specific work
Paragraph arguing how one aspect of Modernism is revealed in a specific work

If out of class, Part B must be typed and double-spaced. Works Cited entries needed for out of class work.

Suggestions
For starters, there are very good sections on Realism and Naturalism in Vol. C. of the textbook, and a corresponding one on Modernism in Vol. D: read them and take notes.

Oxford Reference Center has a number of fine essays on these literary movements. For example, see the "Realism" and "Naturalism" paragraph entries in the Oxford Companion to American Literature. For a richer discussion, see the Naturalism and Realism essay from The Oxford Encyclopedia of American Literature.

For a detailed yet accessible (and relatively brief -- 20 short pages) overview of American Modernism, see Towards a Definition of American Modernism by Daniel Joseph Singal in American Quarterly (Accessed via JSTOR)

I've created a powerpoint slideshow (same show with reversed colors (uses less ink if printing) ; and same show in PDF if you don't have powerpoint) as well as a way of reviewing the material. Feel free to download and review.

I've also included suggestions on this site (read the definitions of divisions, thesis statements, division statements, context, and body paragraph in the glossary) covering planning, revision, adding sources, and proofreading that should help you write paragraphs that clearly presents your thinking.

Due Date
See syllabus.

Grading Criteria
To receive a passing grade, your questions should demonstrate a clear understanding of the three literary movements and demonstrate an ability to recognize their tenets in a literary work. The writer should be clear and detailed. Sources should be cited.

Proofreading : Sentences that are clear and no more than 5 major errors (these errors include sentence fragments, run-on sentences, verb-tense error, subject-verb agreement error, unclear phrasing/tangled wording, documentation, formatting, and spelling/wrong word error).