Analytic Paper Assignment and Rubric

World Literature 2403/33

Professor Kiefer

Spring 2018 Analytic Paper

For this course you will be required to write one 5-7 page paper outside of class, of a minimum 1500 words in length. Any paper shorter than the minimum assigned will receive an F as an incomplete assignment. Except for meeting the very low minimum number of pages, don't concentrate on length, but try to make your papers as detailed, well-organized, and interesting as possible. All papers must be shared with me via Google Docs since I will be grading, commenting and returning them to you electronically. You MUST send an email to be indicating the paper is complete with an accompanying link provided. Please click on “allow to edit.” These papers are not necessarily research papers, and it is possible to receive an A on a paper without doing research for them, although good papers, incorporating good library work, will normally receive higher grades.

You should choose a topic you are particularly interested in, not try to guess what I want you to write. By noon on Monday, March 26, you will send me a proposal briefly describing the thesis of your paper (approximately 200 words.) This should include the scope and focus of your paper, and it should be a minimum of one paragraph. If necessary I will give you advice on how to proceed. I am happy to answer questions about proposed topics. Papers are to be submitted to kikiefer@kean.edu by noon on Monday, April 16. (This is a change from the original date in the syllabus.) Papers may always be handed in before the due date if you wish.

Prompt: Create a 5-7 page (1500-2000 words) term paper comparing a common thematic element(s) in two of the pieces of literature we have read thus far: Antigone, The Odyssey, Macbeth, The Stranger and The Death of Ivan Ilyich. This essay requires a close reading and analysis of the texts.

You may create your own topic or consider one of the following:

·         a comparison of loyalty of characters to one another

·         the nature and meaning of two character’s vision vs. blindness

·         the use of disguise and how disguise impacts two character’s purpose and goals

·         the characteristics of heroism common in two characters.

You are free to create your own topic, as long as it analyzes thematic elements common in both pieces you choose. This essay should not be a summary of the material, but a critical analysis of the material.  Be original, but be sure that your claims are supported by evidence from the texts.

  Assessment:

The following elements are taken into consideration when I grade your papers:

1) You must convince me that you have closely read and understood the texts.

2) You must have sent me your thesis to review by noon on Monday, March 26

3) You must respond to the prompt as given.

4) You must follow the Kean University Composition guidelines (attached on rubric)

5) I expect you to support your arguments with references to the text, often including quotations appropriately introduced and analyzed (but quote only to make points about the material quoted, not simply for its own sake).

6) Your paper must be sent electronically in the format described above to kikiefer@kean.edu  by noon on Monday, April 16.

Late Papers:

If you think you have a valid excuse (medical, etc.) for not getting a paper in on time, let me know in advance via e-mail at gotprofkiefer@gmail.com. Papers handed in late with no excuse will not receive a passing grade. To pass the course you must hand in this paper.

World Literature 2403/33—Spring 2018
Rubric Analytic Paper

Prompt: Create a five to seven page (1500-2000 words) term paper comparing a common theme in a piece of literature we have read thus far. This essay requires a close reading and analysis of the texts. This essay should not be a summary of the material, but a critical analysis of the material. Be original, but be sure that your claims are supported by evidence from the texts.

Assessment:  ______points out of 30.  Final letter grade: _______
On a scale of 1-5
__________1) The writing indicates a close reading and understanding of the texts.
__________2) An effective thesis statement was submitted by Monday, March 26.
__________3) The writing responds to the prompt as given.
__________4) The writing followed the Kean University Composition Guidelines
__________5) The writing is thematically-based and is supported by arguments with references to the text, including quotations appropriately introduced and analyzed.

__________6) The writing was sent electronically in the format described above to kikiefer@kean.edu  by noon on Monday, April 16. Or an extension was requested with a valid reason, well in advance of the deadline.

Composition skills to be corrected are underlined and bolded below

Kean University English Composition Grading Policies
Writing assignments are evaluated according to
a) clarity of purpose;
b) appropriateness to audience;
c) clarity of focus;
d) quality of development;
e) effectiveness of organization;
f) degree of fluency;
g) stylistic skill demonstrated through word choice (diction) and sentence structure (syntax); and
h) correctness of mechanics (grammar, spelling, punctuation).

A Excellent fulfillment of the assignments requirements; original substantive content; effective organization and logical development; correct mechanics; clear effective diction and syntax; fluent use of language; correct documentation (when applicable).
B  Above average fulfillment of the assignments requirements; thorough and interesting content; good organization; correct mechanics; effective diction and syntax; fluent use of language; correct documentation (when applicable)
C Fulfills basic requirements of the assignment; some solid content; adequate organization; no major mechanical errors; no major documentation errors.
D Does not fulfill basic requirements of the assignment; vague content; ineffective organization; major mechanical errors; significant errors in documentation.
F Does not fulfill basic requirements of the assignment; little content; minimal form; major, serious repeated mechanical errors; violations of the Academic Integrity Policy.