Analysis Paper due 4/24/15

World Literature 2403/26

Professor Kiefer

Spring 2015

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. Minimum paper lengths are so extremely short that anyone desiring a high grade would be advised to write a somewhat longer one. 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. When I can learn something new from a paper, I am pleased. By Tuesday, April 1, you will send me a proposal briefly describing the thesis of your paper. This should include the scope and focus of your paper. I t 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 gotprofkiefer@gmail.com by noon on Thursday April 24, Papers may always be handed in before the due date if you wish.

Prompt: Create a 5-7 page (1500-1800 words) term paper comparing and/or contrasting 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: loyalty, fidelity, vision vs. blindness, the use of disguise, pride and stubbornness, what it means to be a hero, etc. You are relatively free to choose your 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 Thursday April 2.

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 Gotprofkiefer@gmail.com by noon on Thursday April 24.

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.