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World Literature

World Literature. Portfolio Project Option for Final Exam. “There are only two or three human stories, and they go on repeating themselves as fiercely as if they had never happened before.” --Willa Cather. Expectations. The chapter will focus on one motif or theme.

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World Literature

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  1. World Literature Portfolio Project Option for Final Exam

  2. “There are only two or three human stories, and they go on repeating themselves as fiercely as if they had never happened before.” --Willa Cather

  3. Expectations • The chapter will focus on one motif or theme. • You will include a professional cover page, an introduction, five “exhibits”, and a final reflections piece at the end. • Each “exhibit” includes an essay you’ve written along with supplementary materials that relate to the essay (e.g. song lyrics, artwork, an excerpt from a novel, etc.) • At least two exhibits include on assigned reading from class. • Among the exhibits, you will vary the types of essays you’re writing: analysis, synthesis, compare-contrast, reaction, evaluation. • See rubric for grading criteria.

  4. Types of essays (exhibits) • Analysis—separating a whole into smaller components for individual study • Examples: an analysis of symbolism in The Great Gatsby, an analysis of themes in Lord of the Rings, an analysis of the protagonist Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart • NOTE: Plot summary does not belong in an analysis essay. You will only bring up those aspects of plot that demonstrate the points you are making in your analysis. • Strong topic sentences will ensure that you are sticking to analysis, not summary. Make sure each body paragraph opens with a topic sentence that makes a point about the work (a point that you will prove with support in the paragraph).

  5. Types of essays (exhibits) • Synthesis—combining separate pieces to form a coherent whole (Using a Venn diagram makes this process easier.) • Examples: a synthesis essay on four American poems that deal with death, a synthesis essay on three contemporary songs that deal with unhealthy relationships, a synthesis essay on three philosophers’ views on the nature of reality • Again, strong topic sentences help maintain focus and higher order thinking.

  6. Types of essays (exhibits) • Compare/Contrast—examining two works with the purpose of discovering similarities and differences • Examples: a compare/contrast essay on the book The Water Is Wide and the movie Dead Poets Society, a compare/contrast essay on two movies that deal with war

  7. Types of essays (exhibits) • Reaction—discussing your personal reactions to a work • Examples: a three-paragraph response to some artwork, two paragraphs on a song that resonates with you on a personal level • Focus should be balanced—discuss your reactions but explain how the work itself brings out those ideas/feelings

  8. Types of essays (exhibits) • Definition—exploring an abstract concept through definition, etymology, synonyms, antonyms, quotations, examples, etc. • Examples: a definition paper on one of the following: Truth, Existence, Meaning, Power, Masculinity, etc. • This should be an intelligent discussion focusing on every facet of the concept, from the smallest word level to larger philosophical considerations.

  9. Chapter Example: Nature • Cover Page and Introduction • Analysis of nature in The Scarlet Letter • Synthesis of Transcendentalists’ works on nature • Compare/Contrast of Into the Wild and Everett Ruess’ journals • Reaction to artwork • Synthesis of Japanese poetry • Reflections

  10. Chapter Example: Insanity • Cover Page and Introduction • “Vincent” by Don McLean—reaction • Plato’s “Cave Parable” applied to historical figures • Synthesis of poetry on madness— Dickinson, etc. • Compare/contrast on two movies about insanity • Analysis of novel Girl, Interrupted • Reflections

  11. Things to Remember • You should include song lyrics, artwork, poems, and possibly short stories in the portfolio chapter along with the exhibits so your reader can examine the works you discuss. • Your portfolio should include a variety of works—art, music, movies, short stories, poems, novels, plays, etc. Do NOT go overboard with movies and songs. You must include literature! • Your portfolio should include a variety of TYPES of essays (as seen in the previous examples).

  12. Things to Remember • Essays should all be typed, double-spaced. • While reaction pieces might only take a half page, other essays should be 2-3 pages each. • Include supporting quotations and specific evidence in essays. • Use parenthetical references after quotations. Include a Works Consulted page. • The most weighted grading component will be the quality of the essays. • Do NOT plagiarize! Students have earned a ZERO on this project in the past due to plagiarism.

  13. Things to Remember • Aesthetics is one of the grading criteria. That means you should make the project pleasing to the eye. It should look professional, like you spent some time and effort on it. • Do not, however, confuse superficial appearance with quality. Making your project “pretty” will not matter if your essays lack substance.

  14. Things to Remember • Above all, make this experience personally rewarding. The best part of this assignment is that YOU get to choose what to read, watch, explore, and write about.

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