March 1

Next week:

No classes: please work on your draft this week and post it by Sunday, March 5 just like you would a regular blog. We are aiming for full drafts (5 pages, double-spaced) — try to get as close to that goal as possible.
On Wednesday, March 8, return to this site to complete peer review of 3 papers. Please be as detailed and thorough as possible, as these can be really helpful to your peers and also help you figure out how to work on your own paper.
I will have feedback for everyone also — by March 12 at the latest.

A very devoted page of S afficionados…and the Key to S

As you draft consider a few basics:

Your thesis doesn’t have to appear in the first paragraph but should be in the first page given the length of this paper
Sources should be used in conversation with your argument. Find places as you draft that require further support or help you debate an important side to your point. Consider also if your source is specifically relevant to your argument, and not just thrown in for the sake of fulfilling a task.
Citation: MLA is preferred, but whatever you use (e.g., Chicago), be consistent
Analysis is key: we want to deliver a critical interpretation of the book, not a book review. Make sure you have a clearly stated argument in every paragraph
Scope: this is a short paper (5-6 pages), so you can’t tackle all of S or even all the paratexts. Be selective and target only what serves your point.
Writing sample: many graduate programs require writing samples to show that you are able to critically engage with a field and have a strong point of view. Some programs require about 10-15 pages but may let you combine pieces.
Reverse outline of Keskinen…

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