In 56 pages, you will argue for a single texts (Bierces Owl Creek Bridge) continued inclusion in our course syllabus. Your job is to persuade me that your selected text contributes so meaningly to our understanding of the period/field that, if I were to overhaul the syllabus, I would have to keep it on the schedule. Be warned: this assignment is more difficult than it might appear, as this is NOT about your personal taste or preferences. You are NOT crafting an argument about what you liked the most or found most accessible. Instead, you are expected to research the scholarly conversation on that particular text to arrive at an understanding of its place in the literary canon, which you will then use to make your case. As you develop your argument, you should also be sure to reference particularly significant lines/passages from the selected work of literature that reinforce its need for inclusion in future iterations of the course syllabus. In addition to what scholars say, what might such insights offer future students?
A successful essay must do the following:
Articulate a clear, tension-filled thesis that 1) specifies which text we keep; and 2) previews the logic underlying its inclusion in future iterations of the course syllabus.
Develop each idea fully, marshaling evidence from your selected text and 3 peer-reviewed sources (aim for most recent ones) to support your position. This assignment relies heavily on your ability to synthesize and engage with the ideas of multiple scholars.
Integrate quotations effectively. You may need to review the difference between summary, paraphrase, and quotation before you begin drafting.
Anticipate and address potential counterarguments, conceding points as needed.
Include an introduction that 1) hooks the reader; 2) provides sufficient background to prepare the reader for the coming essay, and 3) includes a tension-filled thesis that clearly addresses the prompt. See first bullet item.
Include a compelling conclusion that offers readers a sense of your arguments larger significance. In other words, why does your essay matter?
Include argument-driven topic sentences that forecast the content of each paragraph while also clearly referring back to the thesis. Remember that I should be able to read only your thesis and your topic sentences and still follow your argument.
Provide clear transitions between and within paragraphs. In other words, be sure to review for unity and coherence.
Maintain an academic tone.
Revise your essay to eliminate awkward/wordy phrasing, grammatical errors, and typos.
Include a creative title that grabs your readers attention.
Format your document according to MLA guidelines (1-inch margins, Times New
Roman, 12 pt. font, proper heading, and header, etc.).
Adhere to the length requirement.* You are only allowed 3 lines over/under, and the Works Cited does not count toward the total number of pages.
Cite sources using the 2016 MLA guidelines. Please be sure to review the universitys statement on plagiarism in the UNCP Honor Code, as you are bound to it throughout the semester.
Note: You can access this scholarship through the librarys databases. You may want to begin with the librarys research guide Literature: http://libguides.uncp.edu/lit. MLA and JSTOR, both listed under Recommended Databases, should provide you with more than enough material for this assignment.
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