In the end, close reading and careful writing reinforce each other, and you will do fare better in each part of the course for having devoted attention to the other part. Each will consist of a close reading analysis of a text chosen by you, with some effort on your part to discuss the significance of what we find in the text in relation to our present world. These will involve short analyses of assigned readings. Given the seminar format of this class, this is an important part of your work for this class. Your grade here will be based on your thoughtful engagement with the material and with others in class discussion.
All papers are due at the beginning of class on the assigned date.
I will not accept papers by electronic mail. You must turn in all papers for a passing grade in this class. All pages but the first must be numbered. Include your name, the date, the class number and section, and the paper number at the top of the first page of your essay. You should always title your papers.