For this essay, you will be responding to one of your last three readings, Neverwhere, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, or The Last Wish. Before you begin, make sure you study the texts, the handouts, and the lecture notes. Study closely the “Writing the Literature Paper”
Actions handout, which explains the general layout of a literature paper. You should also look at the sampleActions papersActions posted on the Writing the Papers modules on the Modules page. When you’re ready to begin writing, download either the MS Word or LibreOffice templates to use (watch the video if you need help).
It does not matter which topic you choose for each essay. However, since these essays are analyses, do not use first-person pronouns (“I think . . .”, “I feel . . .”, etc.), and do not use summary–assume your audience has read or viewed the works. Also, do not cite or consult outside sources. Your required textbooks and movies and the course lecture notes and handouts should be the only materials consulted and cited for these assignments.
Each essay must be at least 800 words long (not counting headers, title, or works cited entries) and will be graded on the sophistication of your analysis; on your grammar, spelling, punctuation, and mechanics; and on your ability to use and cite passages from the texts or videos in support of your analysis. Please also use MLA guidelines to format your papers and MLA documentation to cite the quotations used in the paper and to create a works cited page. If you need help at any point of the writing process, you can consult the optional texts listed in the syllabus, use the materials in the first four essay-writing modules posted on the Modules page (1,2,3,4), and get tutorial help from Smarthinking. If you need help finding comments on returned essays, or if you have questions about the comments themselves, please consult these materials.