Essay 2 or Final Project

basics

A 7-10 page essay on a well-defined topic relevant to our module drawn from the close reading of a text and from some research into secondary sources that allows you to situate your claims in relation to views already in circulation (a debate or representative view[s]). In the preceding sentence "text" is broadly defined, but "close reading" is not--the meaningful and at least partly independent interpretation of carefully observed evidence is a must.

Be interesting, but not at the expense of intellectual depth or clarity.

Almost anything can be a text for our purposes, if you treat it as a text. Your brilliant close reading will make it a text, whether it is a physical space, a commercial, a dish, an appliance, or a novel. Conversely, even a novel will cease to be a text if you don't treat it right.

This isn't a research paper strictly speaking, so do not go overboard with sources--the point is not to survey the existing literature but rather to have a somewhat informed independent discussion and to apply a few well-selected sources strategically and independently. The intellectual quality of the source and of the application is much more important than quantity.

As in the case of Essay 1, successful papers are the extended development of one main idea in clear, accessible language, free of undefined fancy vocabulary, unnecessary jargon, and name-dropping. The main idea shouldn't be overly simple--to sustain a whole essay, it is typically the fusion of two or three related, evidence-based smaller claims. A few clearly defined keyterms are a great asset for an academic argument; sentences constructed out of vaguely connected, underdefined five-syllable abstract nouns will confuse, distract or simply annoy your reader. If your ideas are good and clear, such language doesn't do them justice. If they are as hazy as the language, you need to work on them.

In this essay, it is even more important to use sources well:

• choose only what you are ready make real use of through interpretation, inference, explanation, and application,
• whatever you do use, use fairly (represent the ideas correctly with the minimal context necessary for understanding),
• never forget to acknowledge any text or idea that is not your own (unless, like major historical and geographical facts, it is common knowledge for your audience)
• be consistent and clear in your referencing style (MLA preferred).

projects

If you would like to do a project rather than a final essay, it needs to have a theoretical/analytical component, the nature of which will in each case depend on the genre, form and content of the project. It may be incorporated into the project or be an accompanying text (rationale, documentation, theorization, artist's statement, etc. Whatever the nature of this theoretical/analytical component, it needs to show what the theoretical-academic context and relevance of the project is. The project proposal ought to address this issue (such as a rationale and plan for integration or separation), which we will then negotiate on a case by case basis.

schedule

Proposals--in good enough shape for a brief semi-formal presentation with handouts--are due Week 12 in class. Suggested length is half a page to one page in paragraph or outline form. Do include rationale/motive (why it would be interesting for someone beside you), tentative argument (for projects: goal of project and plans for analytical component), feasibility (evidence, sources, for projects: technical feasability, materials, software etc.), and any difficulties/weaknesses you can foresee and would like suggestions on.

Interim project report or draft: November 1

Final deadline: November 10.