info for last paper

Just to let you know, the Bauman essay mentioned in topic 6 is available on our course e-reserves, the same place you found the Kafka short stories earlier in the semester.

Here is a copy of the questions for your self editing worksheets, due with your papers.

Hope they are all going well.

Jenni


Thesis-
What could be problematic in this thesis statement? Does it seem to be a provable statement? Does the argument show basis in the text, does it lend itself to easily apparent textual evidence? What aspects of this argument do you think will be the hardest to demonstrate? Is there a missing link, or unclear position in the thesis statement? List any reservations you have about the case you hope to make with thesis. How will you overcome these obstacles?





Is the thesis controversial? What is the opposing argument to this thesis? Is it a strong opposition? Try to formulate a thesis that takes a stand opposite this one. What evidence might the opposing side use? Cite page and paragraph.




Introduction -
Does the introduction stick to a central focus or truth, and effectively lead up to it, or do some parts seem to meander or lose focus? Does the introduction stay primarily centered on the text?




How long is the introduction? Is there enough information given to understand the thesis statement? Is the transition to the next paragraph too abrupt?





Primary Evidence -
Does the evidence provided adequately support the thesis? Given the thesis, and your evidence, what part of the argument is not supported by evidence? Find any possible missing links, or unexplained aspects of the proposed interpretation.




What are some passages that you believe might complicate or oppose the interpretation presented in this argument? List at least one passage from the text, page number and paragraph, that you believe might be an obstacle that you will need to address.




Is there clear close reading of each piece of textual evidence provided? This should include a sentence or two leading up to the citation, giving an idea of what to expect, and be followed by a careful analysis of the passage in question. This analysis should include a discussion of one and two word phrases from the passage, detailing how the passage communicates its point, and how this affects your argument.



Secondary evidence
Are there multiple instances of secondary evidence cited in the paper? Do they show relevance to both Coetzee’s text and to the argument proposed in the paper?
How does the evidence relate to the argument you are making? Does it agree or disagree directly with one of your supporting theses? (Disagreement is welcome, as long as you are prepared to show, through textual evidence, that your argument is superior.)




Is the secondary evidence the basis of the argument you are making? If so, you have likely not used it properly. You should provide the argument, using your analysis and evidence from Coetzee’s text. Secondary works of criticism should provide a different perspective, or a possible example of your argument, or even give you a place to start, but you should expand upon the point made, and go beyond the secondary source that you cite. In other words, be sure that your secondary source does not begin and end your argument, that is what your close reading and analysis should do.



Style
Be sure to use active voice, a good way to check is to search your document for the word “is.” If you find it, try to reword to use an active verb instead. Also look for instances of the subject having something done to it, and alter them to make the subject perform the action. Be sure to proofread carefully for spelling errors, as well as grammar and punctuation. Most of you have made considerable improvement in this area over the course of the semester - keep up the good work!