Your essay must use a total of FOUR sources. Two of your sources will be the pieces of literature you are analyzing. The other two sources must come from the library database. No websites except .edu websites will be allowed as sources, unless you get specific permission from the professor. Your essay must be in correct MLA format, including: Proper margins, double-spacing, header information, etc. Complete and accurate in-text citations–failure to include in-text citations will result in a grade of 0 for plagiarism. Complete and accurate works cited page–failure to include a works cited page will result in a grade of 0 for plagiarism. Complete word count. If your paper is under the 900 word minimum, you will receive a 0. A sample MLA format paper, with example citations, can be found in Canvas. Each student’s paper should contain: Historical and cultural background of the period. Briefly describe the causes or origins of the chosen literary period, including significant historical and cultural events that led to the period. Essentially, what brought about or sparked the period? How did historical or cultural events at the time influence writers? (SLO 1, SLO 3) Summary of period values and characteristics. Briefly describe the chosen period overall, including its key ideas,* core values* (social, moral, political, spiritual, etc.), and aesthetic principles* (including but not limited to: the period’s common themes, subject matter, new writing techniques, and preferred forms or styles). Essentially, what is this period “all about”? What are the defining characteristics of this period’s writing? How did these defining characteristics develop? Students should connect their description of the period’s characteristics to the historical background above. (SLO 1, 3, 4) Argue that two works of literature are valid examples of the period. Select two works from the chosen literary period, ensuring that each work is written by a different author. Then provide a clear, well-developed argument demonstrating how both works are representative of the period by analyzing how the literatures’ specific forms or styles match the values and principles of the chosen period.* This should be the longest section of the paper. (SLO 2)
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