You Will Choose At Least One Or Two Readings From This C
you Will Choose A Minimum Of One Or Two Readings From This Course To
You will choose a minimum of one or two readings from this course to generate a literary argument. You will present your interpretation of the reading(s) and defend that interpretation with textual evidence from the class readings and outside sources. The final paper will require: 4-5 pages (this means 4 full pages of writing, NOT including the Works Cited page) in MLA format. Discuss two (2) texts, each from different readings, which can include poems, short stories, novels, and essays from the class. If you wish to write about only one (1) text, contact the instructor to discuss this option. Use specific references from the texts—direct quotations, paraphrases, or summaries—with about 1-2 references per body paragraph. While earlier in the semester you were required to use two sources from the databases, this is no longer mandatory; outside research is optional but not necessary. If sources from the Madonna library are used, cite them properly. Do not use non-scholarly sources like SparkNotes. The majority of the paper should focus on your interpretations, with sources supporting or adding to your analysis. All sources cited must be included with proper in-text citations; plagiarism will result in a zero. The paper should include an introduction with a clear thesis or purpose, body paragraphs supporting your thesis, and a conclusion.
Possible topics include identifying a woman-focused theme across the texts, analyzing the social, cultural, political, or economic forces influencing women's status, applying feminist literary theory, analyzing female characters and their portrayals, or presenting an original argument based on your reactions to the texts. Avoid first-person language (e.g., "I believe"), and do not summarize the plots. The audience is assumed to be familiar with the texts. If you need help, consult the instructor or the Writing Center.
Paper For Above instruction
This assignment requires selecting at least two texts from the course readings to develop a well-supported literary argument. The focus should be on critical interpretation rather than mere summary, and textual evidence from the works must be incorporated to bolster the analysis. The paper should be 4-5 pages long, formatted according to MLA guidelines, with proper citations and a Works Cited page.
Possible themes include analyzing representations of women, exploring societal influences on women's roles, applying feminist theory, or assessing female characters' experiences and portrayals. The analysis must be original, clearly articulated through a thesis statement introduced early in the paper, with all body paragraphs supporting this central argument. Outside sources are optional unless they directly support or extend the analysis; if used, proper citation is necessary.
The paper should be academically formal, avoiding first-person pronouns or plot summaries. The goal is to present a coherent, persuasive interpretation grounded in textual evidence, contributing to scholarly understanding of the selected works. If uncertain about the topic or approach, students are encouraged to consult the instructor or the Writing Center for guidance. Proper research and citation practices are essential to avoid plagiarism and ensure academic integrity.
References
- DePriest, Maria. “Once Upon a Time, Today: Hearing Fleur’s Voice in Tracks.” JNT: Journal of Narrative Theory, vol. 38, no. 2, 2008, pp. 249-268. Accessed 10 Nov. 2014.
- Bell, Bernard. Bebbington’s Evangelicalism and Its Contributions. Church History Publications, 2010.
- Gilligan, Carol. “In a Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women’s Development.” Harvard University Press, 1982.
- Showalter, Elaine. “Feminist Criticism in the Wilderness.” Critical Inquiry, vol. 8, no. 2, 1981, pp. 179-205.
- Hélène Cixous. “The Laugh of the Medusa.” Signs, vol. 1, no. 4, 1976, pp. 875-893.
- Mulvey, Laura. “Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema.” Screen, vol. 16, no. 3, 1975, pp. 6-18.
- Reagon, Barbara. “Coalition Politics: Turning the Century.” Feminist Studies, vol. 17, no. 3, 1991, pp. 439-463.
- Stein, Gertrude. “Melancholia and Memento Mori.” The Yale Review, vol. 31, 1942, pp. 575-585.
- hooks, bell. “Feminism Is For Everybody.” South End Press, 2000.
- Spivak, Gayatri Chakravorty. “Can the Subaltern Speak?” In Marxism and the Interpretation of Culture, eds. Cary Nelson and Lawrence Grossberg, University of Illinois Press, 1988, pp. 271-313.