Thesis statements are due on Monday! Post your thesis to the class forum by midnight Sunday.
Due 12/20: 1984 Thesis Prep
December 19, 2016 By
1. 1984 Thesis Prep–(Prep for a thesis that would lead to a 4 page analysis of the novel) Tonight, identify a minimum of three devices that work together to some end (that end would be your argument).
So, you may decide that there is a meaningful relationship between dreams (motif), morality (theme), and dehumanization (theme). Then, gather 3 pieces of evidence related to each one (Choose thoughtfully, of course). Finally, explain HOW these three (based upon your chosen evidence) work together to create an argument. Again, be thorough and thoughtful.
2. (Due 12/21) Kurt Vonnegut–Research and take notes on our next author in your notebook (up to one page). For this novel, it is imperative to know about Vonnegut’s military experience, his religious beliefs, and his views on humanism. Also, research fatalism, determinism, and free will.
If you are going to buy your own copy, buy this one! 🙂
Due 10/13: Thesis Posting
October 11, 2016 By
1. The Yellow Wallpaper–Post your thesis on the class forum. Keep in mind:
We need to consider how multiple devices/elements work in concert to create greater meaning and lead to your argument.  An analysis of the use of symbolism is great and critical to a discussion of The Yellow Wallpaper as a whole, but you demonstrate greater mastery of the short story if you are able to discuss how multiple devices/elements work together to develop theme. Note: Your argument does not have to be a thematic statement. This is only a reference to the template presented in class.
For instance, one could argue that the theme of this story is only revealed once one explores how Gillman uses the symbolism of the house to inform/affect Jane’s evolving internal conflict. Here, we would see a student demonstrating control over how a device interacts with an element.
Or, one could suggest that the evolution of the narrator’s perception of the wallpaper illustrates (one point of analysis (shout out JG) fleshed out in depth revealing the nuance of its use in the short story) the effects of patriarchy on the nuclear family. This is just an idea that could lead to a thesis. In the actual thesis statement, you would not use language like: “illustrates the effects of” or “comments on” etc. Rather, in the actual thesis, state the effect and state the commentary.
So, based upon the above, a sample thesis  may  be:
Jane’s evolving view of the wallpaper illustrates how the nuclear family inhibits the narrator’s creativity and consequently her identity.
Ultimately, while I am interested in your thesis, I am also interested in seeing your thesis process. So, bring in the process as well Thursday.
Post by midnight on Wednesday! Enjoy your day off tomorrow…
HW due 6/2: PBA Thesis
June 1, 2016 By
1. Class Forum–Post your PBA thesis! Bring in typed thesis and thesis process tomorrow!
HW10 due 2/10: SH5 Thesis Posting
February 9, 2015 By
1. Class Forum–Post your Slaughterhouse Five thesis.
2. Slaughterhouse Five Essay Process–On Thursday you should have your topic sentences typed and you should have relevant supporting evidence. I would encourage you to spend some time tonight tracking down evidence that is relevant to your thesis. Also, feel free to tweak your thesis as necessary.
3. Tomorrow, we start The Alchemist so please bring in your copy!
