English/Environmental Studies 153, Paper 2: Topics
Please write a 4-5 page paper using one of the following prompts. You may write on any of the novels or nonfiction works. Standard MLA formatting. Times New Roman, 12 pt type.
1. Explore one of the following themes or concepts through one text or two different texts (or two different characters in one text). Analyze what the single text or each of the two texts (or characters) is suggesting to the reader about that theme or idea. If you choose two texts (characters), how do they work differently or similarly? Make a claim and support it with textual evidence (cited).
Development/Progress
Consumerism
Race/Cultural Identity as they intersect with place
Wealth/success
Ideas of wilderness
Animal/human relationships
Hyperobjects
Ethics in the Anthropocene
Intimacy
Reciprocity
Effects of loss (ie biodiversity, habitat, species, etc.)
Techno-optimism
2. Make a claim about how one of the texts you have read has changed the way you see or has allowed you to more deeply understand a real world historical event or current issue. With quotes from the text we read in class, prove how the text helps you to gain a deeper perspective on the real world issue/event. Demonstrate connections to data from research about your issue. (This prompt will require citations which document the research you are referencing in the paper. You will need at least two credible sources describing the issue/event as well as specific references to the text from class.)
*If you have a vision for a paper that you are excited about pursuing and it does not exactly fit these prompts, please present your proposal to your TA for their approval.
Rubric
Some Rubric
| Criteria | Ratings | Pts |
|---|---|---|
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeHow well does the essay achieve the purposes of the assignment?How well does the essay achieve the purposes of the assignment? ☐ Claim is clearly stated, fully explained, and specific. ☐ The writer cites the text(s) from the course they are writing about at least two times throughout the essay, using specific examples in their analysis. The writer avoids broad generalizations. | 5 ptsFull MarksClaim is clearly stated, fully explained, and specific. The writer cites the text(s) from the course they are writing about at least two times throughout the essay, using specific examples in their analysis. The writer avoids broad generalizations.4 pts3/4 MarksClaim isn't clearly stated or lacks specificity OR Texts from the course are either only cited once, or the examples lack specificity/are too broad. 2.5 ptsHalf MarksClaim isn't clearly stated and lacks specificity OR Texts from the course are either only cited once, and the examples lack specificity/are too broad0 ptsNo MarksClaim isn't clearly stated and lacks specificity AND Texts from the course are either only cited once, and the examples lack specificity/are too broad | 5 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeHow well does the essay work with sources?How well does the essay work with sources? ☐ Cites source text(s) appropriately. ☐ Prompt 1: Paper uses at least two effective examples/quotes are selected and utilized as evidence and integrated smoothly into the writing. Prompt 2: Paper uses at least two effective outside sources are selected and utilized as evidence and integrated smoothly into the writing. | 5 ptsFull MarksSource text(s) are cited appropriately. Prompt 1: At least two effective examples/quotes are selected and utilized as evidence and integrated smoothly into the writing. Prompt 2: At least two effective outside sources are selected and utilized as evidence and integrated smoothly into the writing.4 pts3/4 MarkIn-text citations and bibliography have some minor mistakes OR Sources aren't fully connected/further connections could be made/Sources could be more effective 2.5 ptsHalf MarksIn-text citations and bibliography either are formatted incorrectly or have notable errors, in-text citations may be missing OR Paper only has one example or only one source/only uses one source as evidence0 ptsNo MarksIn-text citations and bibliography either are formatted incorrectly or have notable errors, in-text citations may be missing AND The paper has only one example or source/only uses only one source as evidence, or does not integrate examples/sources at all. | 5 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeHow well does the essay work with the writer’s own ideas?How well does the essay work with the writer’s own ideas? ☐ Presents ideas that are focused and related to the purposes of the assignment. ☐ Develops ideas with specific examples, well-reasoned claims, and clear commentary. ☐ Establishes clear relationships between source text(s) and writer’s ideas. | 6 ptsFull MarksIdeas are focused and related to the purposes of the assignment. Ideas are developed with specific examples, well-reasoned claims, and clear commentary. Clear relationships are established between source text(s) and writer’s ideas.5 pts3/4 MarkIdeas may lack some focus OR Commentary or examples may not be well-connected OR Source material might be not fully connected/not integrated smoothly 3 ptsHalf MarksIdeas Lack Focus AND Commentary and Examples may lack specificity/clarity OR Source material isn't fully integrated/well connected0 ptsNo MarksIdeas Lack Focus AND Commentary and Examples may lack specificity/clarity AND Source material isn't fully integrated/well connected | 6 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDoes the paper meet formatting guidelines and other expectations?Does the paper meet formatting guidelines and other expectations? ☐ Grammar, spelling, and usage are appropriate for college-level English. ☐ Paper is formatted following MLA guidelines ☐ Paper meets assignment length requirement | 4 ptsFull MarksGrammar, spelling, and usage are appropriate for college-level English. Paper is formatted following MLA guidelines Paper meets assignment length requirement3 pts3/4 MarkSome errors in formatting or some notable spelling/grammatical errors that may impact clarity OR Essay doesn't quite meet length requirement (Less than half a page short) 2 ptsHalf MarksSome notable grammatical errors impacting clarity OR Paper formatting doesn't meet MLA Guidelines OR Paper doesn't meet length requirements0 ptsNo MarksPaper is a page (or more) short of the length requirement AND Paper Doesn't meet formatting guidelines AND There are notable spelling/grammatical issues that are impacting clarity | 4 pts |