Final Project & Proposal

Final Project Options

Literary Analysis Essay: Select two texts from the syllabus—at least one of which must be a primary source—to analyze together in order to create an argument regarding one (or more) of the course themes. Your argument should explain how reading these two texts together demonstrates something new and surprising which an analysis of one text alone would not reveal. The argument must be grounded in thorough analysis of carefully selected textual evidence.
Species List Expansion: Using a selected species as a case study, conduct an in-depth analysis of its history to craft an argument about ecological knowledge and/or empire in the nineteenth century. You do not need to encompass the entirety of the species’s history; instead, you should carefully select evidence to create a focused narrative which aids your argument. In researching this species, you must engage with at least four reliable sources. You may build upon a previous Species List entry or focus on a new species entirely.
Alternate Medium Assignment: Propose a project which uses an alternate form/medium (e.g., website, podcast, graphic novel, etc.) to address the themes of the course. Make the case for what the specific medium you propose using allows you to accomplish which a more traditional essay format would not (e.g., different relationship to audience, use of visual or sound for a specific purpose, etc.). Your final project must demonstrate engagement with ideas from class, and make substantive use of at least one text from the syllabus.

Final Project Proposal due 03/11 to Canvas

Final Project due 04/08 to Canvas

Logistics

Essays (prompts 1 &2) must be 2000-2500 words; alternate medium assignments must propose an equivalent amount of work (e.g., 15 minute podcast episode, 12 page short story which makes use of four sources and a two page artist statement, etc.). If you are unsure of whether your alternate medium assignment indicates adequate work or engagement with course themes, please send me an email.

Essays must be formatted according to MLA8 or Chicago Manual conventions, including a works cited page. Use a 12 pt, standard font (such as Times New Roman or Garamond), double spaced, with one inch margins. Please include a title indicative of your argument (not “Essay 1,” “Poem X Essay,” etc).

Grading

Essays will be graded based on the following criteria:

Strength & creativity of the argument & interpretation of prompt
Selection, use and analysis of evidence
Argumentative structure, including adherence to essay scope and flow of ideas
Clarity and precision of writing

While a C essay demonstrates a basic adherence to the prompt and promise for further development, the difference between a B essay and an A essay is likely to hinge on the depth and creativity of the textual analysis and its effective deployment toward constructing a surprising, original argument which requires engagement with both texts.

Unless typos, misspellings, and formatting issues present a problem for legibility and my ability to understand the argument, points will not be deducted for such technicalities.

Alternate medium assignments (prompt 3) will be graded based on criteria created in conversation with the instructor. Criteria will include thorough engagement with ideas from class, and use and analysis of evidence.

Proposal

In 300-400 words, answer the following questions regarding your final project:

Prompt 1

Which texts have you chosen to engage? What is the connection/relationship you see between these texts?
What will your final project argue (keep in mind, this is a preliminary statement, and it’s fine if your argument changes)? What does your argument have to gain from analysis of both texts together which would not be revealed through engagement with one text alone?
Will you bring in outside research? Why or why not? If you plan on conducting further research, what form(s) of research/what kinds of sources do you propose? How will these help you construct your argument?
What further questions do you have about the final project (yours specifically, or the project in general)?

Prompt 2

If Prompt 2: Which species will you study? Why this species, and which facet of its history will serve as your focus?
What will your final project argue (keep in mind, this is a preliminary statement, and it’s fine if your argument changes)?
What form(s) of research/what kinds of sources will you engage? How will these help you construct your argument?
What further questions do you have about the final project (yours specifically, or the project in general)?

Prompt 3

What form will your final project take? What does this medium allow you to accomplish which a more traditional essay format would not?
What will your final project argue? Will your project make this argument explicitly or implicitly?
With which text(s) from class will you engage? How will you make use of this text within the medium of your alternate assignment?
Will you bring in outside research? Why or why not? If you plan on conducting further research, what form(s) of research/what kinds of sources do you propose? How will these help you construct your argument?
What additional criteria do you propose should be used when grading your project? Consider what you hope to get out of this project, and what you would like feedback on.
What further questions do you have about the final project (yours specifically, or the project in general)?