Independent Study Project CHECKLIST Components Score Breakdown Due Dates Reading Stage 1) Pre-Reading Research / 5 (depth/effort) Sept 19-23 (Q3) 2) Midway Reflection Book Talk: (in class) Response: (G-Drive & H.C.) 3) Book Review Book Talk: (in class) Response: (G-Drive & H.C.) 4) Proposal Thesis/Outline (G-Drive & H.C.) / 5 (depth/effort) Oct 10-14 (Q3: last week) / 5 (Graded) / 5 (depth/effort) Oct 31- Nov 4 (Q4) / 10 (Graded) Writing Stage / 10 (Graded) Nov 14-18 Final Stage 5) Essay (Final Copy) (H.C. & Turn it In) / 60 (Graded) Nov 28-Dec 2 NOTE: Dates are open to change at any moment. TOTAL /100 All tasks leading up to the essay combined (Research, Reflection, Book Review, Proposal) count for 40% of the project, and will appear on skyward separately within the Textual Comprehension & Analysis and/or Language & Mechanics categories. The final essay counts for 60% of the project, and will appear on skyward within the Major Assessment category. While the essay is out of 100 points 60 for quality of ideas and support, plus 40 for quality of expression, organization and proper citation its point-value on skyward shall be determined in relation to other tasks on a later date.
PRE-READING RESEARCH / 5 RESEARCH & SELECTION TASK: Complete a pre-reading research of the book you have selected by answering the following questions. Half will count towards your written research; while the other half will count towards your presented research. Whereas your written response must address all of the following topics, your presentation should mainly focus on the rationale for your selection and only needs to address 2-3 of the following topics. = if applicable a. The literary genre (e.g. Science-fiction) and/or movement (e.g. Romanticism) which the work is a part of b. The socio-cultural-historical context in which the story: (A) takes place (B) was written: e.g. The Crucible takes place in Salem Massachusetts 1692; but was written in New York City, 1953 c. The work s social/historical significance/importance/ popularity: e.g. It is argued that H. B. Stowe s Uncle Tom s Cabin launched the American Civil War d. Relation to other works (sources of inspiration, or works of association): e.g. Ancient-Greek thinker Plutarch is known to be the source of many of Shakespeare s roman plays e.g. Great Gatsby is often associated with The Sun Also Rises (part of same literary movement) e. Author s contemporaries/ literary circle: e.g. Fitzgerald and Hemingway; William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe f. Author s background and inclinations (political/religious, theoretical etc.) e.g. Upton Sinclair s communist views pervade The Jungle g. Author s unique literary style/ trademark e.g. Whitman s free-verse; Dickinson s strange punctuation; Swift s matter-of-fact tone h. Work s overall structure: how the story is explicitly divided (e.g. by chapter, parts, acts), as well as implicitly divided (e.g. by an important prologue, epilogue, or structural framework) i. Anything unique about the book (such as the original book cover, its opening quote/dedication etc.)
BOOK TALK # 1. MIDWAY REFLECTION In Class / 5 TASK: In a brief statement to the class, share your thoughts about the first half of your reading. Your thoughts should include initial observations about your readings as well as personal insights (your conclusions and understandings about those observations). Do not provide a summary. Only provide context when necessary to get your impressions and ideas across. While your general tone and approach can remain casual, your focus should remain literary. You may draw on your written response for inspiration, and take the talk as an opportunity to elaborate. SUGGESTED FORMAT: 1. Start off by introducing your book title, author, and a very brief statement about your book type the genre, style or literary movement it falls under. For e.g. the book I am currently reading is a science fiction novel called written by during the romantic period). 2. Next, move on to your observations and insights. E.g., In my reading so far, one of the things I have noticed is that my author likes to use a lot of in his writing. In consequence, this seems to have a very effect on the reader. Another thing I ve noticed is. RESPONSE # 1. Google Drive & Hard Copy / 10 TASK: Write a formal, one-page (double-spaced, times-new-roman) response on one of the following prompts. SUGGESTED PROMPTS 1. Thus far, what seem(s) to be the story s major underlying conflict(s) - both on the micro- as well as macro-level? Is/Are the conflict(s) directly stated or implied? How do you see the story unfolding from this point on? 2. Describe the work s narration (point of view, style, structure etc.) and its overall impact on the telling of the story as a whole. 3. From everything you ve read so far, what do you believe to be the story s central theme(s)? Why? Select the passage you feel best captures this/these theme(s). Explain. 4. Describe the author s use of setting in creating mood/tone, in placing emphasis on a certain theme, or in terms of character development. 5. Choose an interesting passage, and explain its significance to the work as whole (up to this point). 6. Explain what you feel to be the unofficial agenda of the author of the work of literature you are reading. In other words, if the book were an essay, what line would you consider to be its thesis statement, and why? 7. Choose an idea of your own, making sure that the focus is literary (and remembering to run your idea by me first).
POST-READING: BOOK REVIEW BOOK TALK #2. In Class / 5 TASK: Prepare and present a formal book review your overall reading and critique (including your insights/ observations) about the book as a whole. Note: It is highly recommended that you use your written response as a guideline for structuring your presentation; however even if you don t, remember to keep the discussion literary and a professional. Most of all, do not just provide a book report. RESPONSE #2. Google Drive & Hard Copy TASK: In a brief, well-written response, write a critical book review of your selected novel. / 10 What is a book review? In essence, a book review is a critical evaluation of a book. Rather than a summary, it provides your own unique commentary and overall review of the book in question. What if you really don t like the book? Always write your reviews with integrity. If you honestly don t like a book, write your review as if you are in a critique session with the author. Use constructive words and avoid sarcasm. Source: Goodreads.com FORMAT: One-page, double-spaced, times-new-roman, following MLA format and the guidelines below: Topic Sentence(s): Should include the basics of your book (title, author and/or genre), and must also explicitly indicate your general impressions (try to avoid impersonal language, such as the use of I). Body: In two to three paragraphs, explain what you feel to be 1. the author s main message and intended purpose 2. the MAIN method(s)/ techniques that he/she employs in his/her attempt to meet his/her purpose whether or not 3. he/she succeeds or fails in meeting his/her intended purpose (use explicit textual examples).
THESIS/OUTINE: PROPOSAL.. Instructions In a traditional and detailed point-form outline, provide your formal essay proposal following the criteria below: employs proper mechanics of writing in English typed in Times-New-Roman, 12 pt. font, double-spaced conforms to the conventions of MLA Style (proper in-text citation and works cited) Format and Components Name: Course: Teacher: Date: Thesis (And Outline) Proposal: For [Title, Author of Book] 1. Tentative Thesis Statement: /10 Referring to the elements of the novel that you will discuss, explain what it is you will explore and ultimately prove about your text in your literary, research essay. (You may offer two proposed theses if you are as yet undecided on one). 2. Tentative Outline: /10 Propose what your body paragraphs will be about in other words, provide at least 3 main sub-arguments you might employ to prove your main argument (your thesis). 3. Bibliographical information: /10 Provide a tentative Works Cited list (MLA style), identifying at least ONE scholarly source you propose to use to support your thesis, with a brief annotation explaining how it contributes to the development of your thesis. TOTAL: /30
LITERARY RESEARCH: ESSAY. In 1000-1250 words (approx. 4-5 double-spaced pages), write a well-written, well-organized, and original literaryresearch paper meeting the following criteria: Follows all of the expectations for written work: employs proper mechanics of writing in English typed in Times-New-Roman, 12 pt. font, double-spaced conforms to the conventions of MLA Style (proper in-text citation and works cited) Demonstrates literary research: incorporates at least ONE scholarly source (e.g. a critical essay, an academic journal etc.) Breakdown: Tasks/Components Scoring Comments IDEAS: Thesis (within intro) /10 Claims (within body) /15 Analysis (within body) /15 Conclusion /5 SUPPORT (of ideas): Evidence (within body) Min. 1 scholarly source /5 Works cited (MLA) /5 Minimum of 3 quotes /5 Quality of Evidence Quotes (effective & efficient use) /10 Proper In-text citation (MLA) /5 EXPRESSION (of ideas): Overall Diction (word-choice) /5 Grammar/Mechanics /10 ORGANIZATION (of ideas): Smooth order of ideas and effective transitions between/within: Essay components /5 intro body conclusion / 45 /30 / 15 / 10 Body Paragraphs /5 Topic Sentence Claim Evidence Analysis TOTAL /100