Choose a prompt and work on understanding the frame through which the critical lens builds its arguments.

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English 101 – Critical Reasoning; Fiction
Paper 4 – Research Paper
FINAL DUE DATE: WEDNESDAY 5/25 ON CANVAS
INTRODUCTION
Over the course of this semester we have worked on understanding the texts we have read from a myriad of
contexts – through different literary and critical frameworks. As we read Octavia Butler’s Parable of the
Sower, you will be asked to actively read and engage with the text and produce a research essay using a
specific critical lens (i.e. using Literary Theory). Each theory, identified below, has its own specific prompt
and will necessitate your reading of several secondary source texts to help you build your response. Choose
Ecocriticism, or a broad study of global ecological crises through the intersection of literature, culture
and the physical environment, was popularized in the 1960’s by the Rachel Carson book Silent Spring. In
her book, Carson identifies and describes the adverse effects of pesticides on a global scale. Carson’s
critique of pesticides sparked further scholarly work on environmental issues, spawning new and
inventive critiques from a myriad of literary mediums. Parable of the Sower is one in a litany of books
with environmental themes. Reading the novel as an ecocriticism of current trends, build an argument for
Butler’s intended message/call to action in the novel using primary and secondary source evidence. Be
wary of the broad strokes of the novel and try to narrow your scope to cause and effect relationships
between ecological catastrophe and societal entropy.
For this research paper, you will accomplish the following:
1. Choose a prompt and work on understanding the frame through which the critical lens builds its
arguments.
a. While a critical lens asks you to read a text from the perspective of another, the true aim of a
research essay is to synthesize (combine) that perspective with your own.
b. It is important that you create an argument that is neither too broad to be researched nor too
narrow; for example, a paper about “the environment” would be enormous, but one about “the
environmental impact of water scarcity/drought in Los Angeles” probably wouldn’t yield
much research.
2. Conduct research about the history of the issue you are dissecting from the novel, the problems
surrounding the issue, solutions that people have discovered thus far, and the effects of the issue on
the community that it involves. Remember that this novel was written in 1993 (almost 30 years ago)
and plenty of progress has been made regarding the issues found therein.
3. Write a 7-10 page argumentative essay in which you detail the following:
a. The history of the issue identified through your chosen critical lens
b. The major issue that Butler is responding to
c. At least one legitimate solution to the issue that you believe will solve or help to solve the
problem and why you are advocating for this solution (consider this your response to Butler’s
call to action or overall purpose of her novel)
*Please note that each of these above steps, though influenced by your opinions, must be grounded in your
research. It is not enough to say, “I think ending the practice of capital punishment would probably save
many innocent people currently in jail.” Formal writing rules apply, so, although the prompt calls for your
opinion, you must NOT use first- or second-person pronouns (“I” or “you”) to express your views.
You MUST back up your opinions with evidence from your research that lends credibility to your argument
through the use of expert statements, statistics, or historical trends. More information on credible sources to
be discussed during class (Academic Databases & Peer-Reviewed Articles)
ASSIGNMENTS
Invention Exercise: Complete the Invention Exercise on Canvas (due Sunday 4/24); this will include
brainstorming, a preliminary list of secondary sources, and research questions.
First Draft: This should include a rough draft of the entire body of your paper. It is fully expected that
you will make significant revisions between your first draft and your final draft. Due Sunday 5/1.
Development Exercise: Complete the Development Exercise on Canvas (due Sunday 5/8); this will
include a clear and specific thesis statement, full forms cited page (including all sources in MLA format).
Second Draft: This will be the draft used for our Writer’s Workshop and must incorporate revisions based
on class discussions and the Development Exercise. Due Sunday 5/15.
Draft Responses: 1-2 Page Draft Responses (and Draft Annotations) based on in-class discussion of
Research Essay Expectations. Due Friday 5/20.
Final Draft: The following rules will apply for all final papers:
1. Normal essay-writing rules are still in place. This means that there should be no first- or
second-person pronouns! Topic sentences should be at the beginning of each paragraph, and a full
introduction and conclusion are expected.
2. Papers must be typed in size-12, Times New Roman font, and margins should be exactly one inch
on all sides. Page numbers should be included and placed in the lower-right corner of each page.
3. Each paper should have a title page – including your name, block, date, and the title of your paper
– located at the beginning of your paper and a works cited page at the end.
4. The essay itself (NOT including the title page or the works cited page) must be no shorter than
4½ pages (double-spaced) and no longer than 6½ pages.
5. Final papers may be submitted any day prior to the listed due date.
6. E-mail submissions of final papers will only be acceptable for students who are absent on the due
date. In other words, you must come to class on each due date with a hard copy of your paper
ready to be submitted at the beginning of class. Standard late penalties apply (a full letter grade
will be taken off per day late – regardless of whether our class meets that day or not).
GRADING CRITERIA (RUBRIC)
Introduction (20%) Your introductory paragraph provides a clear and concise introduction to your topic,
sources, and overall argument:
●Hook statement is used to broadly introduce the subject of the essay
●Sources and topics are each introduced in clear and concise fashion
●Thesis is an Analysis & Evaluation Claim responding directly to the essay prompt
Evidence & Analysis (40%) Your use of critical analysis (primary and secondary sources) is shown by:
●Topic Sentences expressing the main idea (claim) of each paragraph and identifying the type of
evidence to be explored
●Provides accurate and relevant background for cultural and social implications of sources (historical
approach to analysis)
●Chosen sources/evidence provide truth, authority, veracity, persuasive evidence, & arguments
●Proper evidence/quote integration including context to set up the evidence and leading into the
evidence to seamlessly transition between your words and that of your source
●Explanation and analysis of your evidence in drawing out inferences (literal and implied meaning) to
show the logical connection to your major claims
Rhetorical Outcome (20%) Your use of effective rhetorical strategies include:
●The essay has a clear consideration of the audience in connecting your message (main idea/thesis)
and purpose (purpose for the main idea – found in your conclusion)
○Background and Context as well as overall order of information
●The essay builds authority through appeals to the audience (ethos, pathos, logos)
○Word choice, order of information, and matching tone with your secondary sources
●The essay incorporates voice and style that shows, rather than tells
○Writing voice and style are consistent with academic research
●Recognize & utilize critical terms specific to the study of literature (i.e. elements of literature)
Mechanics Outcome (20%) Your writing mechanics show polishing by:
●Controlling conventions, format, and structure (grammar, spelling, order of information, etc.)
●Showing flexible strategies for generating, revising, editing, and proofreading (as demonstrated
through previous drafts)
●Use previous drafts to rethink position by revisiting information or hearing the thoughts of others (i.e.
workshops)
PLEASE NOTE THAT WHILE NOT ON THE RUBRIC, YOUR DRAFTING ASSIGNMENT, WHICH
WILL ALL BE GRADED AS ZERO (0) POINTS FOR EACH, WILL BE USED TO SCORE YOUR
FINAL ESSAYS. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ANY OF THOSE DRAFTING ASSIGNMENTS WILL

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