Educational scholars have long noted that a crucial part of learning involves self-reflection.  For a final assignment, you'll get a chance to reflect upon what you've learned from the class material in an essay.  Use this as an opportunity to really think about the readings and the knowledge you’ve gained (or haven’t – be honest) from the course.

Avoid merely repeating what you’ve written in your essays – though you may draw ideas from them.  You should begin by reviewing the syllabus and textbooks to refresh yourself with the readings, and then consider the in-class discussions, group work, course site, body paragraphs, lesson plans, etc. for specific examples of your intellectual growth (or wilting – again, be honest). And remember that the focus is on what you've learned -- not on me.  

Requirements
Specifically, you'll write an essay (title, intro, body paragraphs, conclusion) that explores the three major "things" you've learned from this course.  These could range from writing to reading, from a point about a specific writer, to a generalization about the literature itself: let your conscious be your guide.

No specific word count is necessary, just remember to explain yourself -- and remember to write a complete essay.

You can (and should) work from an outline and include specific quotes or specific examples to prove your point.  Arguing that American literature connects with current life? You’ll need specific examples.

Submit the essay by copying and pasting it into an email to me by class time on Monday, May 14th.

To receive a passing grade, you must successfully complete the following:

Organization: Have a clear thesis statement, which states what you’ve learned. You must also include a clear division statement which is then developed in separate body paragraphs with clear topic sentences.
Content: Paragraphs that use specific quotes and examples and a full and complete discussion of why and how – the explanation and/or reasoning – that particular quote or example proves the point of your paragraph.
Proofreading: Sentences that are clear and no more than 4 major errors. (Major errors include sentence fragments, run-on sentences, verb-tense error, subject-verb agreement error, unclear phrasing/awkward/tangled wording, and spelling/wrong word error.