This essay provides several outlets for discussing a character, element, or theme of interest to you in our reading of Olaudah Equiano. Whether you decide to make an argument around a certain theme, or investigate the novel more deeply, the aim of this essay is to enter the critical discussion of the novel by forwarding an original, argumentative position supported by outside research.
The essay:
For this assignment, you must construct an argumentative thesis to present your point about a character or theme present in the novel. Options for the essay appear below.
- Discuss one of the themes present in the novel, including but not limited to
- inequality
- injustice
- family
- faith
- memory
- identity
- Discuss the relationship between the setting and the character(s)
- Investigate further one of the characters
- 1200-1500 words (type word count after last entry on Works Cited page), again aiming for at least six paragraphs
- at least one peer-reviewed scholarly article (find on Galileo databases like JSTOR or MLA International Bibliography)
- typed preliminary and final drafts, applying MLA standards to both
- preliminary, peer-reviewed draft submitted in accordance with the schedule below
- properly cited quotations from the primary and secondary sources
Grading Criteria (An "A" writer will do all of the following)
Grade distribution and schedule [consult the daily schedule for additional assignments during the paper cycle]
- Forward a strong, well-stated thesis, then make a sound case for it by incorporating sufficient evidence from the novel
- Demonstrate an understanding of the novel and the concepts presented in the topic choices above
- Organize well with thorough, unified paragraphs, led by clear, specific topic sentences
- Provide sentence structure that is varied, efficient, and expressive
- Use documentation appropriately (include in-text citations and a Works Cited page in keeping with MLA standards)
- Meet acceptable “readability” standards for college-level readers (mechanics, style)
Grade distribution and schedule [consult the daily schedule for additional assignments during the paper cycle]
| component | due date Tuesday class | due date Thursday class | special instructions | points |
| thesis/ topic outline | 8 March, 11:59pm Google Drive | post a single-sentence thesis statement and at least four single-sentence topic sentences on the drive in the folder shared with me. | 25 | |
| first draft | 10 March, in class | 12 March, in class | Prepare complete first draft for digital peer review workshop. Anyone lacking a complete first draft will be excused for the class and be counted absent for the day. | - |
| peer review | 10/12 March, in class | bring complete first draft to class for peer review; points awarded for peer review comments | 50 | |
| second draft | 17/19 March, in class | bring hard copy of complete, revised second draft to class for peer review | 25 | |
| final draft | ___ March, 11:59 p.m | submit final draft of turnitin.com | 100 | |
