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PAPER TOPIC RESPONSES

Throughout the semester, you will need to read the paper topics for our three formal papers and write an informal response. It has two parts: customizing a topic for yourself based on the prompt and questions you have about the topic. 

Instructions:

• Set up your document. Begin by following the MLA format for papers (see the final pages of the MLA section of A Pocket Style Manual for MLA format and visually compare your response when finished to the sample paper to ensure you've got it right). Use Times New Roman 12-point font, double spacing, and 1" margins, and include the information (running page numbers in header with last name, your information block, and your title).
• Write a "Possible Topics" paragraph. After reading the paper topic listed in the Assignments page, write 4 to 8 sentences about either a single or multiple topics that would fulfill the requirements of the assignment.  It might help to formulate at least one sentences that reads something like this: "I want to write about [subject X] and argue that [Y] is true about that subject." Do not put the title of the text you are writing about in the "subject X" slot: be more specific, like this: "I want to write about the potion in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and argue that the formula and the negative behavior it produces in Hyde is a metaphor for drug addiction in an era that did not have the cultural language of addiction we have today." Then explain why you think your thesis about the subject is true.
• Create a "Questions about Topic" list. After your paragraph about potential topics, make a bulleted list of any questions you have about the topic. I will attempt to answer them as quickly as possible. If you have no questions, simply type, "I have no questions about the topic."
• Post your response. Save the word processing file to your computer. Then log into Blackboard, go to our class, click on the discussion board, and find the appropriate forum for your response. Click on that forum. You should not see any responses: that's by design: the other responses will become visible once you have posted. Click on "Create Thread," and write a subject line that relates to the actual point you are making, not just "My response" or the title of the text you are responding to. Copy and paste your response into the "message" box. Then attach a copy of the MS Word file as well to create a backup to your file. Make sure you click "submit" and not "save as draft" when you post it.
• This response is "informal." You do not need to do a deep revision, nor do you need to be as controlled in your use of language in the response as you would in a formal paper. I do, however, need to be able to understand it—and so do your classmates. Read over your response before positing it to spot any lines that may not make sense and fix them so that your audience can follow your point.

Grading

Each Topic Response is worth up to 5 points, depending on completeness and depth of thought. Barring a response of only one or two sentences, most students will get a 4 or a 5. Failure to post on time or not at all will result in a -5 for the assignment.

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Date site created: May 15, 2020