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Seminar Lit Analysis Paper – Assignment Sheet
Paper:
In a paper of 6 to 8 full pages, students will perform a critical analysis
of one of the primary texts read up to this point in the semester. The
Analysis will consist of an interpretation of one primary text informed by
current scholarship. The student will make an argument regarding a possible
theme or idea which may be hidden from the casual reader; this illumination
will be assisted by at least 5 secondary works of critical scholarship.
Process:
Choose a primary text that has most resonated with you during this
semester. In other words—what poem or short prose work have you really
enjoyed? Then, read the text and attempt to find a ‘puzzle’ which the work
presents to the reader [this could be almost anything, but should be
something that genuinely compels a research question]. Finally, search for at
least 5 sources which provide criticism on the text. Support and / or
challenge your analysis using these sources, and demonstrate how these
sources aid in providing an answer to the research question posed in the
Introduction.
Plan:
Introduction—Have you named the author and the text? Have you given a
brief word regarding the context in which the poem was written? Have you
asked a pointed research question regarding some aspect of the poem?
Claim—Have you made an argument which attempts to answer the research
question you posed? Have you previewed the 3 to 5 lines or passages you
will explore to demonstrate this answer?
First Section—Do you have a Topic Sentence that connects the first passage
to your claim? Do you analyze specific lines? Do you quote from the poem,
as well as 1 or 2 secondary sources? Do you properly cite your quotation[s]?
Do you provide commentary on these sources? Is your language clear, direct,
and sophisticated? Do you use proper grammar and mechanics? Are all your
words spelled correctly?
Second Section—Do you have a Topic Sentence that connects the second
passage to your claim? Do you analyze specific lines? Do you quote from the
poem, as well as 1 or 2 secondary sources? Do you properly cite your
quotation[s]? Do you provide commentary on these sources? Is your
language clear, direct, and sophisticated? Do you use proper grammar and
mechanics? Are all your words spelled correctly?
Third Section—Do you have a Topic Sentence that connects the third
passage to your claim? Do you analyze specific lines? Do you quote from the
poem, as well as 1 or 2 secondary sources? Do you properly cite your
quotation[s]? Do you provide commentary on these sources? Is your
language clear, direct, and sophisticated? Do you use proper grammar and
mechanics? Are all your words spelled correctly?
(Fourth Section, etc.,)
Conclusion—Do you re-state your claim for the reader? Do you review the
supporting evidence? Do you make a claim for significance, regarding what
your interpretation adds to readers’ understanding of the poem?
Peripheral:
Formatting – Is your font 12-point Times New Roman? Do you have an
appropriate
heading on the top left (name, date, instructor’s name, essay title)? Do you
have a
centered title that reflects your claim (not just ‘Research Paper’)? Do you
have page numbers on the top-right? Do you have 1-inch margins for each
page? Is the paper double-spaced throughout, even between paragraphs? Is
each new paragraph indented? Do you have at least 6 full pages? Do you use
at least 5 secondary sources? Do you have a Works Cited page listing your
primary and all secondary texts?
Mechanics / Grammar – Do you have appropriate punctuation?
Capitalization? Pronoun use? Verb use? Modifiers? Sentence construction? Is
the spelling correct?
