INSTRUCTIONS

Purpose: Practice analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing sources in preparation for your Final Project Researched Essay, which will entail taking one of your essays from Units 2, 3, or 4 and revising it to become a researched essay incorporating one of the theories of literary criticism we studied in Unit 1 (excluding Reader Response). You will start this process by creating an annotated bibliography with one well-chosen source.

Tasks:

• Locate a scholarly source that would help you with your Unit 2 Essay. The source can be on one of the literary criticism theories we studied in Unit 1, or a scholarly article about your chosen poem. Seek help (from one of the embedded librarians or your professor) with locating sources, particularly if you are struggling to locate a scholarly source.

• Now, you will write an individual annotated bibliographic entry for this source. Complete the following:

  • Begin with the MLA works cited entry for the text. Note that EbscoHost (in Galileo) will provide you with the MLA citation if you click “Cite” on the right-hand panel [and, scroll to the MLA entry]. And, also note that the works cited entry for the “Student-Selected Scholarly Articles” has been provided, in the “description” section (below the article’s title). If you use a “Cite” button-generated citation, be sure to double-check the citation to ensure it is correctly formatted. This link shows you what a correct MLA 8th edition entry for a journal article found in a database should look like: http://www.easybib.com/guides/citation-guides/mla-8/cite-journal-article-online-database-mla-8/

  • Then, write one well-developed paragraph that summarizes, synthesizes, and reflects on the source, using the outline below. Make sure that the paragraph contains specific information (not general observations that could apply to any source). Note that a single quote may be included—but the quote must be no more than one (fully) typed line.

    • Write 2-3 sentences that summarize the source’s main argument and claims; be specific when summarizing the text and include parenthetical citations when appropriate.

    • Write 2-3 sentences that evaluate what evidence and examples the source uses to support its main focus/claims. Briefly explain the source’s merits—and/or deficiencies—in terms of logic, persuasion, credibility, etc. Consider whether the author(s) effectively presented her/his/their claims—and how. Keep in mind that your evaluation does not need to be only positive or negative; the source may be adept in certain areas, but not in others.

    • Write 2-3 sentences that reflect on how you might use the article/source in your researched essay. Consider what new information you learned—and how the source “added” to the ongoing conversation about your topic. It may be helpful to imagine the author as a participant in an online discussion on the poem—what would she/he “say”?