English 102: Writing Family History
Dr. Susanne George Bloomfield
Spring 2004
Researched Response to Reading Requirements
(200
Points)
Students will respond to Riding
the White Horse Home by Teresa Jordan using one of the critical approaches
that we discussed in class (Formalism, New Historicism, Cultural, Archetypal,
or Psychological). The paper should be approximately 1500-2000 words (6-8 pages
@250 words per page), using quotations and examples from the text and 3
outside research references for support in addition to the
Elements for Grading the "Response to
1. Creative or original thesis should have a focused subject and a clear "attitude" or "argument."
2. Thesis must be well-supported by literary text, scholarly research, and personal analysis; quotations should be correctly and appropriately employed using the "Sandwich Technique" (Set up quote giving Background information---Quote---Explain how quotation supports the idea under discussion); discussion should be unified and show depth and complexity of thought. Research must be appropriate, smoothly integrated into the text, and add significantly to the argument.
3. Paper must be effectively organized with a thought-provoking introduction and conclusion.
4. Style should evidence mature, non-cliched vocabulary, complex, varied, and correct sentences, and smooth transitions.
5. Grammar and punctuation must be correct with only a few minor flaws.
6. Heading page and Works Cited page must be correctly formatted according to MLA specifications with all pages numbered and a word count of the text at the end of the paper. Paper must typed in 12 point New Courier font, turned in with all rough drafts, and held together with a paper clip and in a two-pocket folder.
English 102: Writing Family History
Dr. Susanne George Bloomfield
Spring 2004
Family History Requirements
400 Points
Students will interview a subject and collect stories that will comprise a "Book" about that person's life, focusing upon a specific time period, subject, or theme. Various primary and secondary research sources will provide cultural/historical/ psychological/economic/etc. backgrounds for the stories. The "Book" will be approximately 3,500 words minimum[@ 250 words per page=14 pages text] but will have at least 20 pages total, including cover, etc.
Checklist:
___ Cover
___ Title Page
___ Dedication
___ Table of Contents with page numbers
___ Acknowledgements
Thank those who have helped you with this work (librarians, relatives, funding (!), etc.) and any other information that might be valuable or interesting for your reader to know.
___ Introduction or Prologue
___ Body of Text
** The main body will include three narratives and research.
**Students may choose to write a consolidated narrative, a traditional story without chapter divisions, or, they may opt to compile a selective collection of narratives arranged in chapters in a coherent and logical order.
**Students should be selective with the stories and materials they choose to incorporate; what is left out may be as important as what is included.
___ Visual Texts:
Include photocopies of at least three photographs. Write captions for the photographs and credit the sources for the photographs.
___ Three additional materials:
This could include copies of original letters, clippings, memorabilia, journal or diary entries, poems, quotations, maps, genealogical material, timeline, historical data, illustrations, photos, etc.
___ Afterword, Epilogue, and/or Conclusion
___ Notes (only if you choose to use them)
___ Works Cited
Elements for Grading the "Family
History":
1. Does the assignment contain the minimum word and page (see above) requirements?
2. Does the narrative contain at least 750 words (3 pages) of research? The research may be incorporated in the Introduction, Body, or Conclusion. The more smoothly the research is incorporated into the text, the higher the points awarded.
3. Are the stories interesting with good details and description? Does the work show creativity and originality?
4. Is the Family History effectively organized with an introduction and conclusion that explains the main idea or dominant impression of the Family History?
5. Is the style mature, with non-cliched vocabulary, complex, varied, and correct sentences, and smooth transitions?
6. Are the grammar and punctuation correct with only a few minor flaws?
7. Are the Notes (if applicable) and Works Cited correctly done?
8. Does the Family History contain the required photographs and/or illustrative materials? (Although artistic and creative illustrating will enhance the book for you and your family, the emphasis of the Family History should be on the writing and the narrative content.)