Instructions for Papers or Projects
- Look at the prompt- if you don’t like it you can change it. The point is NOT the prompt but that you show you’ve done the readings, understood the readings, and can apply the readings to the world around you.
- Make sure you use the majority of authors. If there are 10 authors, use at least 6.
- Use key concepts and QUOTES from the readings. Do not just rely on class notes.
A good paper or project will:
- Set out with a clear question or idea
- Lay out evidence from the readings
- Cite the readings using specific quotes and concepts
Please note that I do NOT care what style of citation you use and if you are only citing readings from the syllabus, the Author’s last name and page number are sufficient.
An A paper will do all of these things, be well written, have no major factual or grammatical errors and possibly teach me something new (e.g. come to a reason- able conclusion that we did not come to in class).
An A- paper does these things but might have a typo or two.
A Bplus paper understands the major concepts and cites the readings, but is per- haps not as well argued.
A B paper understands the major concepts, but is perhaps not as well written and doesn’t use the readings sufficiently.
A Bminus paper fails to show me that you did the readings or has a level of writing that seriously detracts from what you are saying.
Anything lower than a Bminus indicates that I am concerned that you either did not understand the readings or failed to do them. If you receive a grade lower than a Bminus, please make time to come see me during office hours so you can figure out how to improve your grade on the next paper.
Remember that you have resources for writing a good paper. Check out the Writing Center (in the Center for Teaching, Learning and Research) at http://www.middlebury.edu/academics/writing//writingcenter
Oh, and seriously, have fun with the papers. They can be creative as well as informative. They can include pop culture or personal experience as well as the readings.
They can include original art work or videos or whatever else you wish.
*Please note these are due on the course Canvas site.