Suitable topics may include a response to study questions or an issue you observe in your own reading, but should not give a summary of the text. Ideas and observations count more than perfect grammar and organization, although I expect these papers to be coherent. The shorter paper should not include secondary sources but must be a close reading of a text or poem. The longer paper should include at least three secondary sources, properly documented. You must submit a preliminary topic for both papers, as well as schedule a conference with me for the first paper.
Papers are due at the beginning of the class period specified on the syllabus.
If you have difficulty meeting a deadline, you should talk to me at least two days before the paper is due. Otherwise, any paper submitted within one week after the due date will automatically lose a grade. Papers submitted even later will receive a failing grade unless there are mitigating circumstances. The student must research the critical response to the text and write a concise essay documenting major trends in the critical appraisals of the work. Attendance is mandatory and excessive absences will be reflected in grades.