The purpose of this assignment is to provide students with a better understanding of Historical Fiction and Historical Non-fiction. Students are required to read both Required Textbook: Harriet Jacobs
The purpose of this assignment is to provide students with a better understanding of Historical Fiction and Historical Non-fiction. Students are required to read both Required Textbook: Harriet Jacobs’ Incidents In The Life of A Slave Girl (Historical Non-Fiction) and Mark Twain’s Pudd’nhead Wilson (Historical Fiction). After reading these books students are required to write an essay comparing both books to examine how enslaved blacks lives and experiences are documented in both book. Students must select any four topics (4 separate paragraphs) and compare how such topics are documented in both books. Jacobs’ Incidents In The Life of A Slave Girl must be the main point of reference. Meaning, students must first select their four topics from Jacobs’ and then the same four topics from Mark Twain’s Pudd’nhead Wilson and then compare how Twain (historical fiction) attempts to document real life events.
(Even though the below is an example, this is how each topic discussion should be organized in the essay.).
For example: First, if Jacobs discuss enslaved clothing, then the students should document Jacobs description. Second, this discussion should be followed by a comparison to how Mark Twain discusses the enslaved dress. Finally, this discussion should address the following point of reference questions: Did Mark Twain document the enslaved dressing historically correct according to Jacobs’ description? Or did Mark Twain use literally descriptions to embellish and create his own idealized imagery of the enslaved dress? Explain.
Point of reference questions:
Students must use these questions when attempting to compare specific topics in Jacobs and Twain.
Did Mark Twain document the enslaved experiences historically correct according to Jacobs’ description? Or did Mark Twain use literally descriptions to embellish and create his own idealized imagery of enslaved experiences? Explain. Do not type or restate these question in the essay. These are thinking points that allow students to generate discussion points.
How will I be graded on this essay?
o Graded per Essay (MS Word Document) Format on this syllabus, so follow those directions.
o Incorrect essay formatting, discussion, book review (75-point deduction), o No footnotes, or incorrect footnote formatting, or no bibliography page, or use of parenthetical citation. (50-point deduction),
o No quotes can be used; students must paraphrase this essay.
o Point deduction for using outside sources beyond the first paragraph. You can only reference the books after the introductory paragraph.
Essay Format:
Follow these directions when writing all essays. This is how all these assignments will be graded.
All essays must be written in Chicago Manual of Style format, in an MS Word Document.
All essays must have footnotes and a bibliography and will be submitted to Turnitin (plagiarism software). Please upload all MS Word document essays to the Turnitin link: LastName_FirstName_EssayName_Essay Title
How will I be graded for Essays and Discussion Board posts?
Essay Formatting:
Times New Roman 12pt ft. Double spacing
Five or more sentences per paragraph
No quoting (all work must be paraphrased and in your own words)
No Contractions (lacking possession)
Thesis statement
MS Word Assignment Heading on essays
3 or more footnotes per paragraph
Footnotes (only). Please visit the writing center to learn how to place footnotes in the essay. Correct footnote formatting only. Only footnotes can be use in the essay. If you use parenthetical citations, endnotes, comments, or combination of all, points will be deducted.
If there are no footnotes and/or no bibliography page 50 points will be deducted from the overall assignment.
Bibliography page
Must have correct grammar
Following the essay formant below will allow students to earn the maximum allotted number of points for the assignment.
Introduction – The introduction is typically used to appeal to the reader’s attention and provide the reader with a general idea of the essay’s focus.
Body—In this section you should discuss major themes, events, dates, and key players in a chorological or sequential order. Do Not Ramble! No points will be given for rambling or your opinion. Opinions should only be stated when asked.
Conclusion—In the conclusions you should provide the reader with a summation of all the major points discussed in the essay. In this section, when asked, you should state your opinion on your essay topics.
Footnotes— Documenting your resources will provide the reader with a means to find additional information on the topics discussed in your essay as well as helps to support your argument. Do not use parenthetical citations or endnotes, these are not footnotes and you will earn a zero on essays. Do not place comments or notes in your footnotes. No credit will be given. This Applies to discussion board post and essays.
Bibliography page—Students are advised to visit “The Chicago Manual of Style Online” (see link below) to acquire a better understanding of how to use Chicago-Style formatting in answering essay questions. Chicago Manual of Style Online. “Chicago-Style Citation Quick Guide.” Accessed January 1, 2010. http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html
ASSIGNMENT HEADING FOR MS WORD DOCUMENTS ONLY
DO NOT post the below heading on the discussion board, only use it on essays.
-Assignment Title -Last Name, First Name (Student ID Number) -Course Title -Class Day/Time -Date The heading must be left justified and single-spaced at the top of the document.
Course Required Essays (MS Word Document)
