Literary Analysis

Each 2350 student will write a 5 to 7 page critical essay as part of his/her term project. This is not a plot summary or a book report. You will write a well supported literary argument focused on your primary text. You will consult scholarly  secondary works, but your paper is not just a research paper where you report your findings from secondary sources. Nor is this project just a collection of expert opinion that you have pieced together. You must demonstrate your ability to analyze the primary work of literature you have selected in a clear and sophisticated written  discussion. Your ability to choose and develop a critical question to explore in this project will be a major basis for your grade. The essay is to follow exact specifications of MLA style and documentation. It will be graded on its thesis, content, organization, English usage and its structure.

• Working thesis statement due on 11/16
• Draft due by email to Dr. Kulesz (noon deadline) (11/23)
• Literary Analysis due on last day of regular class. (12/4)
• Graded essay will be returned to you at final exam.

• All work must be typed in font no larger than 12 pt. New Times Roman. Use standard double spacing. All citations are parenthetical according to MLA guidelines. Works Cited page must follow MLA style. Use one-inch margins on plain white computer or copy paper. Staple or paper clip final draft in upper left corner. Do not use any type of binding.

• The paper is to be a minimum of 5 pages and a maximum of 7 pages, excluding works cited page.

• You must consult and cite no less than 4 and no more than 7 scholarly secondary sources. Remember what constitutes plagiarism. Even if you do not mean to cheat/steal, an essay containing un-documented material is considered serious academic misconduct and usually earns an F. Academic dishonesty may also result in university disciplinary action. Copies of your sources will be required, if requested by instructor.

• A detailed explanation of acceptable sources will be given in a class lecture. Websites will not be acceptable.

•   Staple a cover sheet to the front of your literary analysis. Type your name, course, section number and paper title on it.

HELPFUL WRITING INFORMATION:

MLA Style and formatting

Writing in Literature

Literary Argument

Quoting, Paraphrasing, Summarizing

Proofreading