Final Class of the Quarter and Paper Hints

Since tomorrow is our final class of the quarter, I thought I'd create an open forum for you to discuss any lingering thoughts you had about the books we've read together. Whether you have a question or a comment or a connection you'd like to make, it would be great to have you use this final opportunity to share. So, post away!

Also: we've discussed guidelines for the paper when I gave out topics in class. However, I wanted to remind you that you can and should email me as you prepare to complete your papers for next week. The papers are due December 10th by 5pm in my mailbox on the second floor of McMicken Hall. If you have any difficulties finding my mailbox, please ask at the English department office (Rm 248). The papers should be in 12 point font in Times New Roman or something similar, double-spaced, and should reach AT LEAST to the end of 5 pages if not over to the 6th or 7th page. You can write on one of the topics I gave you or on one of your own choosing. If you should opt to do the latter, make sure to email me to discuss. Papers that integrate quotes and evidence from the texts we've read to support their arguments tend to fare best grade-wise. Try to avoid block quotes (mega-quotes 5 lines or longer that take up too much space in such a short paper), but make sure that you are engaging with the specifics of the books more than more general themes or thoughts.

It's been a great quarter, and I've had a lot of fun talking to/ reading with you all! Have a lovely holiday break and keep in touch if you have any questions about the English program or grad school.