Short Lit Crit Response: Difference between revisions

From Gerald R. Lucas
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{{quote box|title=Video Orientation|width=30%|MGA Librarian Samantha Wilcox has put together a series of [https://mga.libwizard.com/f/ENGL2111-Lucas three short videos] that introduce how to research for this assignment.{{refn|This tutorial contains an optional, extra-credit quiz. Take the quiz for some additional points on this assignment.}} [https://grlu.us/research-vids See the play list].}}
{{quote box|title=Video Orientation|width=30%|MGA Librarian Samantha Wilcox has put together a series of [https://mga.libwizard.com/f/ENGL2111-Lucas three short videos] that introduce how to research for this assignment.{{refn|This tutorial contains an optional, extra-credit quiz. Take the quiz for some additional points on this assignment.}} [https://grlu.us/research-vids See the play list].}}
{{quote box|title=Pro Tip|width=30%|Start with the “[https://mga.libwizard.com/f/libraryenglishresources Using Library Resources for English Research]” tutorial. Additionally, consult the [https://guides.mga.edu/englishhome English Research Guide] and/or [https://bit.ly/3390bzn MGA’s Literature Research Guide] for assistance in locating a strong secondary source.}}
{{quote box|title=Pro Tip|width=30%|Start with the “[https://mga.libwizard.com/f/libraryenglishresources Using Library Resources for English Research]” tutorial. Additionally, consult the [https://guides.mga.edu/englishhome English Research Guide] and/or [https://bit.ly/3390bzn MGA’s Literature Research Guide] for assistance in locating a strong secondary source.}}
'''Choose a strong essay''' (called a [[CompFAQ/Research/Secondary Sources|secondary source]]) about one of the texts we have read in class. ''The resource must address something we have already read for class.'' Use the [http://guides.mga.edu/englishhome English Research Guide] and/or find a book of essays in the library (there are plenty). While there are good general resources available on the web, including my own writing, you may ''not'' use them for this assignment.
'''Choose a strong essay''' (called a [[CompFAQ/Research/Secondary Sources|secondary source]]) about one of the texts we have read in class. ''The resource must address something we have already read for class.'' Use the [http://guides.mga.edu/englishhome English Research Guide] to find a '''peer-reviewed journal''' or find a '''book of essays''' (''not'' a book-length study) in the library (there are plenty).{{refn|See [[CompFAQ/Research/Strong Sources|Finding Strong and Credible Sources for Your College Essays]] for a guide to picking appropriate sources.}} If you are unsure, either contact me or ask a librarian. While there are good general resources available on the web, including my own writing, you may ''not'' use them for this assignment.


'''Read''' the essay you choose and take notes. What is the critic’s central argument about the text; how does she support that argument? What points does she make that are particularly insightful (or which seem unconvincing)? How does it help you in your understanding of the text?
'''Read''' the essay you choose and take notes. What is the critic’s central argument about the text; how does she support that argument? What points does she make that are particularly insightful (or which seem unconvincing)? How does it help you in your understanding of the text?
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See an [[/Example/]].
See an [[/Example/]].


{{Notes|title=note}}
{{Notes}}


{{Plink|https://grlu.us/litcrit}}
{{Plink|https://grlu.us/litcrit}}

Latest revision as of 10:50, 2 May 2024

This assignment is an introduction to research and incorporating that research into a short written response.

Video Orientation
MGA Librarian Samantha Wilcox has put together a series of three short videos that introduce how to research for this assignment.[1] See the play list.
Pro Tip
Start with the “Using Library Resources for English Research” tutorial. Additionally, consult the English Research Guide and/or MGA’s Literature Research Guide for assistance in locating a strong secondary source.

Choose a strong essay (called a secondary source) about one of the texts we have read in class. The resource must address something we have already read for class. Use the English Research Guide to find a peer-reviewed journal or find a book of essays (not a book-length study) in the library (there are plenty).[2] If you are unsure, either contact me or ask a librarian. While there are good general resources available on the web, including my own writing, you may not use them for this assignment.

Read the essay you choose and take notes. What is the critic’s central argument about the text; how does she support that argument? What points does she make that are particularly insightful (or which seem unconvincing)? How does it help you in your understanding of the text?

Summarize the critic’s main points or arguments in no more than a paragraph. Be sure you cite the secondary source correctly with parenthetical citations.

Respond to the essay and add your own analysis of the text. This is the important part: spend at least a page responding to the essay — do you agree or not? Why? Be sure you use evidence from class discussion and the primary text to support your reading.

Responses should be two pages (you will be penalized for more) and formatted correctly using MLA format (you must include a works cited section where your secondary source is listed correctly). Please review “Writing in the Liberal Arts” and implement these conventions when writing about literature. Errors will cost you points.

See an Example.



notes

  1. This tutorial contains an optional, extra-credit quiz. Take the quiz for some additional points on this assignment.
  2. See Finding Strong and Credible Sources for Your College Essays for a guide to picking appropriate sources.

Permalink: https://grlu.us/litcrit