Response Papers

 

You will write four short response papers.  These papers do not require any research.  These short papers will be between 2-3 pages in length.  Each paper should be a critical analysis that advances your own brief argument about some aspect of the text.  There is no need to summarize a text.  You do not have the space for summary in such a short paper.  Focus on analysis.  

 

One of these papers, will be a short analysis of how some aspect of the film version of Gotanda’s The Wash enhances, shapes, or changes your thoughts about the original play.  Students could also focus on analyzing the significance of some difference between the two versions.  Your analysis about The Wash will be due on October 16, 2012. 

 

Another analysis will focus on a piece of poetry.  Within the first few weeks of class, students will select a piece of poetry from a list that I provide.  On the day that the class is scheduled to discuss your piece of poetry, you will present your analysis to the class.  You will essentially serve as discussion leader for your poem, explaining your interpretation of the poem and asking at least two probing critical questions about your text that will help advance our discussion.  Please include your questions at the end of your response. 

 

You will select two other pieces of literature to analyze.  One analysis must focus on a text that we discuss before October 4, 2012 and be submitted on or before that date.  The second analysis must focus on a text that we discuss after October, 4, 2012 and must be submitted on or before November 29, 2012.  Both of these analyses are due before we discuss your chosen text in class.  (For example, if you choose to write on Díaz ‘s “Fiesta”  you need to submit your analysis  on or before the beginning of class on October 22, 2012.)