Project Three: Autocritographical Essay: “Autocritography” is a term originally coined by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., that defines a type of writing methodology. But, another scholar and English professor, Michael Awkward, employed it more provocatively in the way that we will use it—an academic yet intimate social critique of literature that uses the personal (autobiographical) to approach the scholarly (critical). You will write a paper on a short story, author essay, creative nonfiction of your choice that has influenced you, and/or is relatable in some way. The paper will be a combination of literary analysis and a telling of your own personal experiences, a response paper that must effectively synthesize personal narrative with critical evaluation and cite at least 4 peer-reviewed secondary sources that provide support for the thesis statement. Students will receive peer and instructor comments on an original essay of at least 2 pages. Using comments from both peers and the instructor, students will revise the paper and submit a final draft that is 4-5 pages in length, not including the works cited page.
The draft must include the following:
The paper must effectively synthesize personal narrative with critical evaluation and cite at least 4 academic sources that provide support for the argument in the thesis statement.
Students must submit the entire essay, which is 4-5 pages not including the works cited page.
Details:
The paper will be a combination of literary analysis and a telling of your own personal experiences, a response paper that must effectively synthesize personal narrative with critical evaluation and cite at least 4 peer-reviewed secondary sources that provide support for the thesis statement.
Final draft is 4-5 pages in length. Must include introduction with thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Essay must be formatted in MLA
Essay must be typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman 12 font.
List of literary terms/concepts/ideas to write about:
Culture and Identity
Imagery
Character analysis
Class struggles
Poetic form
Gender/sexuality
Race/racism
Setting
Narrative form
Symbolism…or a topic of your choosing
