Assignment #1: Literacy Narrative and Self Reflection (10% of course grade)
Norton Field Guide Chapter 10
Essay:
Write a literacy narrative based on an experience you have had with reading, writing or language that has changed your outlook on literacy. When contemplating topics, think about a specific experience that has directly affected you rather than thinking about an abstract memory. Reflect on why this experience is meaningful to you and why you want to tell this story. Consider your audience and how much you are willing to share and explain in order for them to see your perspective.
Key Features to keep in mind:
– A narrative is a story with a situation that should be resolved in the end.
– Vivid details such as a setting and emotions bring a narrative to life.
– Reveal the significance this event has had on your life.
Due Date:
First Draft: September 13th, 2017 | Final Draft: September 25th, 2017
Reflection: September 18th, 2017
Email to me before scheduled class time.
Format:
Essay Word Count: 750-1000 words | Self-Reflection Word Count: approximately 250 words
Both essay and reflection should be: Typed | Double spaced | Times New Roman | Size 12 font
Heading (top left corner) – your name, instructor name, the class/section number and the date.
Use the following criteria when assessing your essay:
– Are you introducing the topic you will be discussing clearly within your first paragraph?
– What is your purpose for telling this story?
– Have you clearly explained why your story is meaningful to you?
– Will your audience understand the meaning this story has had on your life?
– Have you created a setting that your reader can imagine?
– Have you provided vivid details to keep your reader interested?
– Is there a satisfying resolution to your story?
– Is your title engaging and relevant to your story?
– Is there a recognizable structure? Are your ideas brought together and do they transition smoothly and effectively?
– Have you proofread and edited your essay for grammatical and syntactic errors?
Assignment #2: Explanatory Essay and Self-Reflection (15% of course grade)
Norton Field Guide Chapter 12
Essay: Consider a topic that you’ve either read or heard about recently that has interested you. Contemplate the importance and relevance of this topic to you personally, your family, or your community. (If you are having a difficult time finding a topic, begin by thinking about any hobbies you have, subjects you find fascinating, or something you may have studied in one of your other classes.)
Begin your essay writing process by researching your topic and locating published articles. Your goal for this essay is to report on the facts you have read. As we move away from writing about the personal, be conscious of how you choose to relay information to an audience who may not be familiar with your topic. Avoid inserting your opinion and support your ideas and thoughts using credible sources.
For this essay, you must use and cite at least 3 credible sources. You may select from academic journals, magazines or newspaper articles. Be sure to include a works cited page at the end of your essay. All citations must be in MLA format. For any questions regarding MLA formatting and citations refer to Chapter 52 in the Norton Field Guide.
Key Features to keep in mind:
– Select a single, tightly focused topic.
– Use credible sources when doing your research and be sure to cite all sources used.
– Synthesize and connect all your sources and ideas.
– Focus on describing, analyzing, explaining, and comparing.
Due Date:
First Draft: October 11th, 2017 | Final Draft: October 30th, 2017
Reflection: October 16th, 2017
Email to me before scheduled class time.
Format:
Essay Word Count: 1250-1500 words | Self-Reflection Word Count: approximately 500 words
Both essay and reflection should be: Typed | Double spaced | Times New Roman | Size 12 font
Heading (top left corner) – your name, instructor name, the class/section number and the date.
Use the following criteria when assessing your essay:
– Are your topic and thesis statement clearly established and stated in your introduction?
– Have you supported your thoughts or arguments with adequate research?
– Have you thoroughly described and/or explained the texts you have chosen to report on?
– Do you clearly define any terms your audience may not understand?
– Are your texts and ideas synthesized?
– Does your conclusion summarize your thoughts?
– Is your title engaging and relevant to your essay?
– Have you properly cited all your sources in text and included a works cited page?
– Have you proofread and edited your essay for grammatical and syntactic errors?
Assignment #3: Researched Critical Analysis and Self-Reflection (20% of course grade)
Norton Field Guide Chapter 13
Essay:
For this essay, rather than reporting information, you will now be arguing a position. You can expand on your exploratory essay if you wish to do so. Your essay should begin with a clear thesis indicating your argument. Consider why the argument is important to you and support your claims with credible sources. You are also asked to consider opposing positions so you will want to find at least one source with an opposing viewpoint.
Please use the CCNY Library database to research and report on at least an additional 3 scholarly sources. You are welcome to include other outside sources as well however, keep in mind that they must be credible. Be sure to include a minimum of 3 in text citations and a works cited page. All citations must be in MLA format. For any questions regarding MLA formatting and citations refer to Chapter 52 in the Norton Field Guide.
Key Features to keep in mind:
– Establish a clear arguable position.
– Provide background information about your topic and consider your audience.
– Provide concrete evidence to support your argument.
– Identify and consider opposing positions carefully.
Due Date:
First Draft: November 13th, 2017 | Final Draft: December 4th, 2017
Reflection: November 15th, 2017
Email to me before scheduled class time
Format:
Essay Word Count: 1750-2000 words | Self-Reflection Word Count: approximately 750 words
Both essay and reflection should be: Typed | Double spaced | Times New Roman | Size 12 font
Heading (top left corner) – your name, instructor name, the class/section number and the date.
Use the following criteria when assessing your essay:
– Is your thesis clearly established and stated in your introduction?
– Have you taken a clear and arguable position?
– Does your essay include thorough, accurate, and well-researched evidence to support your thesis?
– Does your paper offer a careful consideration of opposing points of view?
– Have you maintained a trustworthy and experienced tone throughout your paper?
– Does your conclusion summarize your thoughts?
– Is your title engaging and relevant?
– Have you properly cited all your sources in text and included a works cited page?
– Have you proofread and edited your essay for grammatical and syntactic errors?
