Purpose: To complete a substantive piece of critical written analysis around 1000-1200 words in length, using global literature as the subject of inquiry. To develop logically coherent and convincing arguments through the interpretation of literature.Skills/knowledge practiced: Mid-length essay writing; textual analysis; close reading; writing with citations; use of textual evidence; developing argument; analysis of narrative techniques; cultural critiqueGrading Criteria: Grading Rubric for Essays.pdfNote: Essays will be graded on a 0-100 point scale using the categories outlined in the rubric above. See the following for proper citation formatting: MLA Citation Template and Example.pdfRequirements: The essay must:Have a descriptive title that is not overly general or vagueBe approximately 4-5 pages in length (about 1000-1200 words) and typedBe double-spaced with 1-inch margins, in Times New Roman 12 pt. font, using proper MLA citationsHave a straightforward and compelling thesis/proposition that is not a mere summary of the textNote: Your thesis should make an argument that is specific to the text rather than an overly general response to the essay prompts below. The prompts are broad only to allow you to write on text of your choosing; your paper itself, however, must be uniquely and specifically framed in direct relation to the text. A good rule of thumb is if your thesis is making a claim that can stand on its own without the text, then youre not being specific enough.Consistently use direct quotes from a single text as evidence to support an argumentBe written in present tense, as per MLA style guidelinesInclude a Works Cited pageThe mi
dterm paper is an opportunity for you to flesh out a particular interest or theme by identifying a question raised in our discussions and addressing it through close literary analysis of a single text. You should aim to develop a strong, straightforward argument and support it using textual evidence and specific passages. You will revise this paper after your initial draft using feedback you receive from peer review in addition to commentary from me.Writing prompts (choose 1):In Things Fall Apart, Achebe writes in English to represent the lives and culture of Nigerians before and after the arrival of White colonialists, making the novel somewhat paradoxical insofar as English was not known to Nigerians prior to such an encounter. Focusing your analysis on a minimum of 3 passages, address why Achebe wrote the novel in English and broadly evaluate what has been gained and lost (and for whom) because of this choice. When the Emperor Was Divine uses a variety of different POVs, tenses, and stylistic choices in terms of grammar and syntax to achieve its literary effect on the reader. Discuss Julie Otsukas purposes/goals in adopting her particular style and what symbolic meaning her style has for the representation of Japanese-American citizens and the history of their internment during WWII. Make sure to include close literary analysis of a minimum of three passages in your essay.Using either Things Fall Apart or When the Emperor Was Divine (one text only), consider how language plays in a role in cultural or racial belonging. How might language be used as a means of authenticating ones belonging to a particular culture, identity, and/or nation?