Honors English Anthology Project

Project SummaryDuring the second semester, you will be working on an anthology project in an area of interest. The project will begin with you choosing a scientific theme to explore through literature and scientific writings. With guidance from the teacher, you will choose both fiction and nonfiction pieces that explore the theme and several key questions related to it. As the remainder of the year continues, you will read and respond to both types of pieces, while producing several of your own. As we learn about the different types of literature or pieces of work, you will complete assignments based on these. Project ObjectiveThe objective of this project is to provide you with a way to explore a topic of scientific interest while also exploring several types of literature and nonfiction in depth. You will gain practice reading and writing in different formats, while meeting the standards of your grade level.

The Thematic QuestionYour thematic question will focus on a broad theme in science. It must be something that you can develop key questions about. For example, your theme could explore contemporary genetics or cancer. Make sure to pick a topic that is broad enough to find both fiction and nonfiction pieces for.

Key QuestionsThese are questions that focus the thematic question in greater detail. You will be responsible for four of these. Think of these as subtopics related to the broad thematic topic. For example, if you were to choose contemporary genetics or cancer as discussed above, your key questions could be related to treatments or emerging research, etc. You will need to get these approved before choosing readings related to them.

The ReadingsFor this project you will be required to have the following:

4 scientific journal articles 2 pieces of poetry 2 short stories A full length nonfiction novel A full length fiction novel

Each of these will need to be approved by the teacher. On the following pages you will find a checklist for writing in the title and getting a signature for approval. This will be turned in with the final project.

The Writings

Preface Thematic Discovery Essay Synthesis Interviews Short Story Analysis Essay Narrative Essay Poetry Comparison Essay Scientific Journal Essay Nonfiction Novel Analysis Essay Fiction Novel Analysis Essay Original Poem Original Short Story Final Reflection Essay/Afterword Documentation

Preface: The preface will introduce your anthology. It should include introductory remarks concerning the content of the anthology as a whole, the thematic focus, key questions, and the types of literature included. The preface can be written after all of the other assignments are completed. It will not be turned in until your final portfolio is due.

Thematic Discovery EssayThe thematic discovery essay is an initial exploration of the major theme that you have selected. It begins with a working definition designed by you based on your personal experiences. It also should include an analysis of your goals and objectives for exploring this theme. The essay continues with at least four key questions that you will answer about your theme throughout the project. The essay should be approximately 3 pages in length and include at least three citations from outside sources. One of these sources can include a dictionary.

Synthesis InterviewsThese interviews will be completed after you have written your thematic discovery essay and feel that you completely understand your theme. You will interview three adults, who are not relatives, for at least 20 minutes. The interviews will be conducted separately and at times and locations convenient to the people you interview. You will submit at least ten questions prior to the interview, and will record the responses either on paper or using a recording device. Once the interviews are complete, you will write a four page paper that provides each interviewee’s responses to each question, plus a final synthesis in which you combine their words to arrive at a singular conclusion about your theme.

Short Story Analysis Essay

In this essay, you will examine one of your two short stories through a selected lens. When reading, you often read a story from different perspectives. These might be religious, traditional, rhetorical, sociological, political, ethical, or psychological. In this essay, you will pick one of the lenses to examine your story. You may reference your second short story if it helps in your essay. Your essay will be three pages, double-spaced, and include quotations and formal citations.

Narrative EssayA personal narrative is a story that explores your theme. This three page paper can be written as fiction or nonfiction, but should be written in a traditional plot structure. If you use an actual event, you will retell the event as a short story. Also, you may create the entire short story from scratch – with your own characters, events, actions, and plotlines. You may also create historical fiction – a story that begins with factual events and creates new outcomes and plotlines.

Poetry Comparison EssayA poem can often accomplish in 20 lines what a novel does in 200 pages. With this in mind, you will select, analyze, and compare/contrast two published poems. You will need to go beyond the poems as a whole and focus on specific words and lines that will be embedded in your essay. You may use published material that helps explain the poem, which will need to be cited.

Scientific Journal EssayIn this essay, you will choose four different scientific journal articles related to your theme to read and analyze. Your journal analysis needs to be scientific in nature and discuss specific scientific concepts. You will need quotations and citations. I do not want a summary of the essays, but an actual analysis as we have done in previous writing assignments.

Nonfiction Novel Analysis EssayThis novel analysis essay should be 4-5 pages long and discuss how your novel addresses your chosen theme. Since a novel is very long, you will need to choose one area to focus on. Your topic must be approved. Your essay will need to be doubled spaced, and include quotations and formal citations. *When reading the nonfiction novel, you will be required to complete journal entries that will help in the writing of this essay.

Fiction Novel Analysis EssayJust like the nonfiction novel analysis, essay should be 4-5 pages long and discuss how your novel addresses your chosen theme. Since a novel is very long, you will need to choose one area to focus on. Your topic must be approved. Your essay will need to be doubled spaced, and include quotations and formal citations. *When reading the fiction novel, you will be required to complete journal entries that will help in the writing of this essay.Original Poem

You will be responsible for writing an original poem to show what you have learned in a creative way. The first page of the paper will be the poem itself, followed by a page of analysis in which you explain your poem and teach others how to read your poem. For example, discuss the rhyme scheme, theme, etc. The primary goal of this is not to create an outstanding poem (although that would be nice), but to document how a poem is created and read as presented through your theme.

Original Short StoryYou will be responsible for writing one original short story that includes the elements of a short story based on what you learn in class. You will need to write the short story based on the theme that you have chosen. This short story does not need to include citations as it will be completely original.

Final Reflection Essay/AfterwordThis approximately five page paper will document your journey from start to finish and will include everything in between. This reflective essay is one of the most significant writings for your anthology. It should accomplish several things: reflect your thoughts and observations about both the content of the works you have chosen and the process of writing them; consider how they work into your theme; connect aspects of literature to important areas of your theme; and discuss how you created your original works.

DocumentationBiographical sketches of each author should be included in this section. In your sketch, tell about the author and his or her life in a short but detailed paragraph. Also, a works cited must be included in this section and follow standard MLA format.

Final Portfolio PresentationYou will be compiling all of your completed assignments into a final portfolio which you will turn in and present to the class. This presentation should be creative in nature, in which you must discuss the theme and the questions that you are answering. You should convey to the class how you came to the conclusion about the theme that you did. Use your final reflection essay as a starting point to help with your presentation. Your final portfolio will be graded both on the copy you submit and the presentation itself.

Assignments

Essay Discussed with Teacher

Pages Essay Due Date Points

Preface /25

Thematic Discovery Essay

/80

Synthesis Interviews

/55

Narrative Essay /55

Short Story Analysis Essay

/55

Poetry Comparison

Essay

/55

Scientific Journal Essay

/55

Nonfiction Novel Analysis Essay

/80

Fiction Novel Analysis Essay

/80

Original Poem #1 /30

Original Short Story

/40

Final Reflection Essay/Afterword

/90

Documentation /25

Final Portfolio and Presentation

/100

Total Points /825

#1 – Thematic Discovery Essay

Assignment Summary:The thematic discovery essay is an initial exploration of the major theme that you have selected. It begins with a working definition designed by you, based on your personal experiences and reflections. It should include an analysis of your goals and objectives for discovering and answer and exploring this theme. Attempt to describe how you’ll know when you’ve found an answer to your thematic question. The essay continues with at least four key questions that you hope to answer throughout the project, with at least one paragraph for each question.

Please use the rubric below to target the specific items to be included in your essay, and use the information above as starting points – it is not necessary to treat the above description as a list.Essay Assignment Due Date:

Total Pages:3

MLA format:Yes

Total Points:80

20 15 10 5Thematic Question

The thematic question is introduced and substantial discussion is provided that is related to the thematic question.

The thematic question is introduced and general discussion is provided that is related to the thematic question.

The thematic question is introduced but very little discussion is provided that is related to the thematic question.

The thematic question is not introduced or no discussion is provided related to the thematic question.

Key Questions All four key questions are introduced and significant discussion is provided related to the questions.

All four key questions are introduced and general discussion is provided related to the questions.

Some key questions are not introduced or very little discussion is provided based on the questions.

Only one key question is introduced or no discussion is provided related to the thematic question.

Personal Definition

A personal definition is introduced that includes a detailed analysis of goals and objectives for exploring the theme.

A personal definition is introduced that provides a general analysis of goals and objectives for exploring the theme.

A personal definition is introduced but very little analysis of goals and objectives for exploring the theme are provided

A personal definition is introduced but no analysis of goals and objectives for exploring the theme are provided.

10 7 4 1MLA

Formatting, including header,

margins, font, and type

No mistakes are made in MLA formatting.

One to five mistakes are made in MLA formatting.

Five to ten mistakes are made in MLA formatting.

More than ten mistakes are made in MLA formatting.

Conventions Evident control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Sufficient control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Limited control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Minimal control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

**If no information is presented related to the topic on the rubric, a score of 0 will be given#2 – Synthesis Interviews

Assignment Summary:These interviews will be completed after you have written your thematic discovery essay and feel that you completely understand your theme. You will interview three adults, who are not relatives, for at least 20 minutes. The interviews will be conducted separately and at times and locations convenient to the people you interview. You will submit at least ten questions prior to the interview, and will record the responses either on paper or using a recording device. Once the interviews are complete, you will write a four page paper that provides each interviewee’s responses to each question, plus a final synthesis in which you combine their words to arrive at a singular conclusion about your theme.Page 1-3: Your essay in which you synthesize all answers into a single set of new conclusions.Page 4-5: A list of your ten questions, bulleted biographical data of your interviewees (approximate age, occupation, relationship to you, time/location of interview, his/her thoughts on the project)Pages 6+: Copies of all the notes you took while you were interviewing your interviewees.

Please use the rubric below to target the specific items to be included in your essay, and use the information above as starting points – it is not necessary to treat the above description as a list.Essay Assignment Due Date:

Total Pages:6

MLA format:Yes

Total Points:55

15 10 5 1Interview Questions

Interview questions are flexible and interactive, encouraging the interviewee to go in depth with their answers.

Interview questions are mostly flexible and interactive, encouraging the interviewee to go in depth with their answers.

Interview questions mostly encourage single-word, flat, or prescriptive responses.

All interview questions are designed to elicit single-word, flat, or prescriptive responses.

Interview Style The author seemed to interact with the interviewee, asked follow-up questions and engaged in on-going conversation as indicated in the notes for almost all questions.

The author seemed to interact with the interviewee, asked follow-up questions and engaged in on-going conversation as indicated in the notes for some questions.

The author interacted with the interviewee in a “write-n-flee” style in which all answers from the interviewer were accepted without further follow-up.

The author did not provide evidence of any interaction with the interviewee.

Synthesis of Questions

The author uses all the answers from the interviewees to analyze and synthesize their theme.

The author uses most of the answers from the interviewees to analyze and synthesize their theme.

The author uses very few of the answers from the interviewees to analyze and synthesize their theme.

No analysis or synthesis or the interviewee answers is present.

5 4 2 1Essay

RequirementsNo mistakes are made in MLA formatting. Sense of professionalism is present in essay. Notes are included

One to five mistakes are made in MLA formatting. Sense of professionalism is still present in essay and notes are included.

Five to ten mistakes are made in MLA formatting or no notes are included in the essay and professionalism is not as present.

More than ten mistakes are made in MLA formatting or no notes are included in the essay and professionalism is not evident.

Conventions Evident control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Sufficient control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Limited control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Minimal control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

**If no information is presented related to the topic on the rubric, a score of 0 will be given.#3 – Short Story Analysis Essay

Assignment Summary:In this essay, you will examine one of your two short stories through a selected lens. When reading, you often read a story from different perspectives. These might be religious, traditional, rhetorical, sociological, political, ethical, or psychological. In this essay, you will pick one of the lenses to examine your story. You may reference your second short story if it helps in your essay. Your essay will be three pages, double-spaced, include quotations from the story, and formal citations.

Please use the rubric below to target the specific items to be included in your essay, and use the information above as starting points – it is not necessary to treat the above description as a list.Essay Assignment Due Date:

Total Pages:3 plus works cited

MLA format:Yes

Total Points:55

15 10 5 1Perspective The author clearly

identifies and discusses a perspective through which the story might best be understood.

The author identifies and begins to discuss a perspective through which the story might best be understood.

The author either does not identify or does not discuss a perspective through which the story might best be understood.

The author does not identify and does not discuss a perspective through which the story might best be understood.

Connections to Thematic Question

The author makes extensive connections to the thematic question.

The author makes sufficient connections to the thematic question.

The author makes superficial connections to the thematic question.

The author makes very little connections to the thematic question.

Understanding of Story

The author presents a thorough understanding of the depth of the story and subtext.

The author presents some understanding of the depth of the story and subtext.

The author presents a superficial understanding of the depth of the story and subtext.

The author presents very little understanding of the depth of the story and subtext.

5 4 2 1Essay

RequirementsNo mistakes are made in MLA formatting and all essay requirements are met.

One to five mistakes are made in MLA formatting or one essay requirement is missing.

Five to ten mistakes are made in MLA formatting or two to three essay requirements are missing.

More than ten mistakes are made in MLA formatting or more than three essay requirements are missing.

Conventions Evident control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Sufficient control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Limited control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Minimal control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

**If no information is presented related to the topic on the rubric, a score of 0 will be given.

#4 – Narrative Essay

Assignment Summary:A personal narrative is a story that explores your theme. This three page paper can be written as fiction or nonfiction, but should be written in a traditional plot structure. If you use an actual event, you will retell the event as a short story. Also, you may create the entire short story from scratch – with your own characters, events, actions, and plotlines. You may also create historical fiction – a story that begins with factual events and creates new outcomes and plotlines. Be sure your story compels the reader to continue reading by including a descriptive exposition, an intriguing conflict, an empathetic rising action, a rewarding climax, a satisfying falling action, and a conclusive resolution.

Please use the rubric below to target the specific items to be included in your essay, and use the information above as starting points – it is not necessary to treat the above description as a list.Essay Assignment Due Date:

Total Pages:3 (or more)

MLA format:Yes

Total Points:55

15 10 5 1Advancement of the Protagonist

The story uses the thematic question and/or key questions to advance the actions of the protagonist in an evident manner throughout the entire essay.

The story uses the thematic question and/or key questions to advance the actions of the protagonist in an evident manner throughout most of essay.

The story uses the thematic question and/or key questions to advance the actions of the protagonist very little throughout the essay.

The story does not use the thematic question and/or key questions to advance the actions of the protagonist.

Inclusion of Theme

The author weaves the theme into the subtext of the story so that it is easily understood but not told to you.

The author weaves the theme into the subtext of the story, but it is hard to understand at times or has to be told to you.

The author struggles to weave the theme into the subtext of the story and it is not understandable.

The author does not weave the theme into the subtext of the story.

Parts of the Story

The author presents a descriptive exposition, an intriguing conflict, an empathetic rising action, a rewarding climax, a satisfying falling action, and a conclusive resolution.

One to three of the requirements for parts of the story is not satisfied or all parts are completed by not at an advanced level.

Four to five of the requirements for parts of the story are not completed or most parts are completed, but not at an advanced level.

Very few of the required story parts are completed.

5 4 2 1Essay

RequirementsNo mistakes are made in MLA formatting. Sense of professionalism is present in essay. Notes are included

One to five mistakes are made in MLA formatting. Sense of professionalism is still present in essay and notes are included.

Five to ten mistakes are made in MLA formatting or no notes are included in the essay and professionalism is not as present.

More than ten mistakes are made in MLA formatting or no notes are included in the essay and professionalism is not evident.

Conventions Evident control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Sufficient control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Limited control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Minimal control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

**If no information is presented related to the topic on the rubric, a score of 0 will be given.

#5 – Poetry Comparison Essay

Assignment Summary:A poem can often accomplish in 20 lines what a novel does in 200 pages. With this in mind, you will select, analyze, and compare two published poems. You will need to go beyond the poems as a whole and focus on specific words and lines that will be embedded in your essay. You may use published material that helps explain the poem, which will need to be cited.Page 1-4: Your comparison essayPage 5: Poem #1Page 6: Poem #2Page 7+: Works cited

Please use the rubric below to target the specific items to be included in your essay, and use the information above as starting points – it is not necessary to treat the above description as a list.Essay Assignment Due Date:

Total Pages:7

MLA format:Yes

Total Points:55

15 10 5 1Identification

and Treatment of Theme

The author clearly and accurately identifies a shared theme and extensively compares and contrasts how the theme is treated in each poem.

The author clearly and accurately identifies a shared theme and sufficiently compares and contrasts how the theme is treated in each poem.

The author identifies a shared theme and begins to compare and contrast how the theme is treated in each poem.

The author does not clearly and accurately identify a shared theme and very little of the theme is discussed.

Connections to Thematic Question

The author makes extensive connections to the thematic question.

The author makes sufficient connections to the thematic question.

The author makes superficial connections to the thematic question.

The author makes very little connections to the thematic question.

Analysis of Poems

The author examines the subtext of each poem and makes significant analysis of the poems.

The author examines the subtext of each poem and makes some analysis of the poems.

Superficial examination of the poems is presented with very little depth or complexity.

Examination of the poems is presented with no depth or complexity.

5 4 2 1Essay

RequirementsNo mistakes are made in MLA formatting and all essay requirements are met.

One to five mistakes are made in MLA formatting or one essay requirement is missing.

Five to ten mistakes are made in MLA formatting or two to three essay requirements are missing.

More than ten mistakes are made in MLA formatting or more than three essay requirements are missing.

Conventions Evident control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Sufficient control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Limited control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Minimal control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

**If no information is presented related to the topic on the rubric, a score of 0 will be given.

#6 – Scientific Journal Essay

Assignment Summary:In this essay, you will choose four different scientific journal articles related to your theme to read and analyze. Your journal analysis needs to be scientific in nature and discuss specific scientific concepts. You will need quotations and citations. I do not want a summary of the essays, but an actual analysis as we have done in previous writing assignments.Page 1-4: Your comparison essayPage 5: Your works citedPage 6+: Attached copies of your essay

Please use the rubric below to target the specific items to be included in your essay, and use the information above as starting points – it is not necessary to treat the above description as a list.Essay Assignment Due Date:

Total Pages:6+

MLA format:Yes

Total Points:55

15 10 5 1Scientific

Analysis of Journals

The author makes a significant in-depth analysis of the scientific journals and uses citations from the journals to advance the essay.

The author makes an in-depth analysis of the scientific journals and uses citations from the journals to advance the essay.

The author makes a superficial analysis of the scientific journals and uses citations from the journals to advance the essay.

The author makes very little analysis of the scientific journals or does not use citations from the journals to advance the essay.

Connections to Thematic Question

The author makes extensive connections to the thematic question.

The author makes sufficient connections to the thematic question.

The author makes superficial connections to the thematic question.

The author makes very little connections to the thematic question.

Journal Choice The journal articles chosen are closely related to the thematic question and work to advance the author’s understanding of the theme.

The journal articles chosen are related to the thematic question and work to advance the author’s understanding of the theme.

The journal articles chosen are related to the thematic question but show little advancement of the author’s understanding of the theme.

The journal articles chosen are not related to the thematic question or do not work to advance the author’s understanding of the theme.

5 4 2 1Essay

RequirementsNo mistakes are made in MLA formatting and all essay requirements are met.

One to five mistakes are made in MLA formatting or one essay requirement is missing.

Five to ten mistakes are made in MLA formatting or two to three essay requirements are missing.

More than ten mistakes are made in MLA formatting or more than three essay requirements are missing.

Conventions Evident control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Sufficient control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Limited control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Minimal control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

**If no information is presented related to the topic on the rubric, a score of 0 will be given.

#7 – Nonfiction Novel Analysis Essay

Assignment Summary:This novel analysis essay should be 4-5 pages long and discuss how your novel addresses your chosen theme. Since a novel is very long, you will need to choose one area to focus on. Your topic must be approved. Your essay will need to be doubled spaced, and include quotations and formal citations.

Please use the rubric below to target the specific items to be included in your essay, and use the information above as starting points – it is not necessary to treat the above description as a list.Essay Assignment Due Date:

Total Pages:4-5 plus works cited

MLA format:Yes

Total Points:80

20 15 10 5Identification

and Treatment of Theme

The author clearly and accurately identifies a theme and extensively compares and contrasts how the theme is treated in the novel.

The author clearly and accurately identifies a theme and sufficiently compares and contrasts how the theme is treated in the novel.

The author identifies a shared theme and begins to compare and contrast how the theme is treated in the novel.

The author does not clearly and accurately identify a shared theme and very little of the theme is discussed.

Connections to Thematic Question

The author makes extensive connections to the thematic question, embedding at least three quotations from the novel and/or a secondary source.

The author makes sufficient connections to the thematic question, embedding at least two quotations from the novel and/or a secondary source.

The author makes superficial connections to the thematic question, embedding at least one quotation from the novel and/or a secondary source.

The author makes very little connections to the thematic question and embeds no quotations from the novel or a secondary source.

Analysis of Text The author examines the subtext and makes significant analysis of the text.

The author examines the subtext and makes some analysis of the text.

Superficial examination of the text is presented with very little depth or complexity.

Examination of the text is presented with no depth or complexity.

10 7 4 1Essay

RequirementsNo mistakes are made in MLA formatting and all essay requirements are met.

One to five mistakes are made in MLA formatting or one essay requirement is missing.

Five to ten mistakes are made in MLA formatting or two to three essay requirements are missing.

More than ten mistakes are made in MLA formatting or more than three essay requirements are missing.

Conventions Evident control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Sufficient control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Limited control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Minimal control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

**If no information is presented related to the topic on the rubric, a score of 0 will be given.

#8 – Fiction Novel Analysis Essay

Assignment Summary:This novel analysis essay should be 4-5 pages long and discuss how your novel addresses your chosen theme. Since a novel is very long, you will need to choose one area to focus on. Your topic must be approved. Your essay will need to be doubled spaced, and include quotations and formal citations.

Please use the rubric below to target the specific items to be included in your essay, and use the information above as starting points – it is not necessary to treat the above description as a list.Essay Assignment Due Date:

Total Pages:4-5 plus works cited

MLA format:Yes

Total Points:80

20 15 10 5Identification

and Treatment of Theme

The author clearly and accurately identifies a theme and extensively compares and contrasts how the theme is treated in the novel.

The author clearly and accurately identifies a theme and sufficiently compares and contrasts how the theme is treated in the novel.

The author identifies a shared theme and begins to compare and contrast how the theme is treated in the novel.

The author does not clearly and accurately identify a shared theme and very little of the theme is discussed.

Connections to Thematic Question

The author makes extensive connections to the thematic question, embedding at least three quotations from the novel and/or a secondary source.

The author makes sufficient connections to the thematic question, embedding at least two quotations from the novel and/or a secondary source.

The author makes superficial connections to the thematic question, embedding at least one quotation from the novel and/or a secondary source.

The author makes very little connections to the thematic question and embeds no quotations from the novel or a secondary source.

Analysis of Text The author examines the subtext and makes significant analysis of the text.

The author examines the subtext and makes some analysis of the text.

Superficial examination of the text is presented with very little depth or complexity.

Examination of the text is presented with no depth or complexity.

10 7 4 1Essay

RequirementsNo mistakes are made in MLA formatting and all essay requirements are met.

One to five mistakes are made in MLA formatting or one essay requirement is missing.

Five to ten mistakes are made in MLA formatting or two to three essay requirements are missing.

More than ten mistakes are made in MLA formatting or more than three essay requirements are missing.

Conventions Evident control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Sufficient control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Limited control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Minimal control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

**If no information is presented related to the topic on the rubric, a score of 0 will be given.

#9 – Original Poem

Assignment Summary:You will be responsible for writing two original poems to show what you have learned in a creative way. The first page of the paper will be the poem itself, followed by a page of analysis in which you explain your poem and teach others how to read your poem. For example, discuss the rhyme scheme, theme, etc. The primary goal of this is not to create an outstanding poem (although that would be nice), but to document how a poem is created and read as presented through your theme.

Please use the rubric below to target the specific items to be included in your essay, and use the information above as starting points – it is not necessary to treat the above description as a list.Essay Assignment Due Date:

Total Pages:1 for poem, 1-2 for analysis

MLA format:Yes

Total Points:30 points for each poem

10 7 4 1Analysis of

PoemsThe author examines the subtext of each poem and makes significant analysis of the poems.

The author examines the subtext of each poem and makes some analysis of the poems.

Superficial examination of the poems is presented with very little depth or complexity.

Examination of the poems is presented with no depth or complexity.

5 4 2 1Inclusion of

ThemeThe author weaves the theme into the subtext of the story so that it is easily understood but not told to you.

The author weaves the theme into the subtext of the story, but it is hard to understand at times or has to be told to you.

The author struggles to weave the theme into the subtext of the story and it is not understandable.

The author does not weave the theme into the subtext of the story.

Connections to Thematic Question

The author makes extensive connections to the thematic question.

The author makes sufficient connections to the thematic question.

The author makes superficial connections to the thematic question.

The author makes very little connections to the thematic question.

Conventions Evident control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Sufficient control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Limited control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Minimal control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Style Precise, illustrative use of a variety of words and sentence structures to create writer’s voice and tone appropriate to the audience.

Generic use of a variety of words and sentence structures that may or may not create writer’s voice and tone appropriate to the audience.

Limited word choice and control of sentence structures that inhibit voice and tone.

Minimal variety in word choice and minimal control of sentence structures.

**If no information is presented related to the topic on the rubric, a score of 0 will be given.

#10 – Original Short Story

Assignment Summary:You will be responsible for writing one original short story that includes the elements of a short story based on what you learn in class. You will need to write the short story based on the theme that you have chosen. This short story does not need to include citations as it will be completely original.

Please use the rubric below to target the specific items to be included in your essay, and use the information above as starting points – it is not necessary to treat the above description as a list.Essay Assignment Due Date:

Total Pages:2-3 pages

MLA format:Yes

Total Points:40

10 7 4 1Short Story

ElementsAll major elements of a short story are included in the original story and easily identifiable.

Most major elements of a short story are included in the original story and mostly identifiable.

Elements of a short story are included in the original story, but are difficult to identify.

Very few elements of a short story are included in the original story and/or cannot be identified.

Inclusion of Theme

The author weaves the theme into the subtext of the story so that it is easily understood but not told to you.

The author weaves the theme into the subtext of the story, but it is hard to understand at times or has to be told to you.

The author struggles to weave the theme into the subtext of the story and it is not understandable.

The author does not weave the theme into the subtext of the story.

Conventions Evident control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Sufficient control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Limited control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Minimal control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Style Precise, illustrative use of a variety of words and sentence structures to create writer’s voice and tone appropriate to the audience.

Generic use of a variety of words and sentence structures that may or may not create writer’s voice and tone appropriate to the audience.

Limited word choice and control of sentence structures that inhibit voice and tone.

Minimal variety in word choice and minimal control of sentence structures.

**If no information is presented related to the topic on the rubric, a score of 0 will be given.

#11 – Final Reflection Essay/Afterward

Assignment Summary:This five page paper will document your journey from start to finish and will include everything in between. This reflective essay is one of the most significant writings for your anthology. It should accomplish several things: reflect your thoughts and observations about both the content of the works you have chosen and the process of writing them; consider how they work into your theme; connect aspects of literature to important areas of your theme; and discuss how you created your original works.Please use the rubric below to target the specific items to be included in your essay, and use the information above as starting points – it is not necessary to treat the above description as a list.Essay Assignment Due Date:

Total Pages:4+ pages and a works cited

MLA format:Yes

Total Points:90

15 10 5 1Inclusion of

ThemeThe author weaves the theme into the subtext of the story so that it is easily understood but not told to you.

The author weaves the theme into the subtext of the story, but it is hard to understand at times or has to be told to you.

The author struggles to weave the theme into the subtext of the story and it is not understandable.

The author does not weave the theme into the subtext of the story.

Connections to Thematic Question

The author makes extensive connections to the thematic question, embedding at least three quotations.

The author makes sufficient connections to the thematic question, embedding at least two quotations.

The author makes superficial connections to the thematic question, embedding at least one quotation.

The author makes very little connections to the thematic question and embeds no quotations.

Key Questions The author attempts to offer an answer to all four key questions and provides significant evidence to support this answer in the form of quotations and/or examples.

The author attempts to offer an answer to all four key questions and provides sufficient evidence to support this answer in the form of quotations and/or examples.

The author attempts to offer an answer to most of the key questions and provides some evidence to support this answer in the form of quotations and/or examples.

The author shows very little attempts to offer an answer to the key questions and some and/or no support for the answers.

Level of Analysis

The author makes significant analysis of the theme and shows complete understanding of previous work.

The author makes an sufficient analysis of the theme and shows most understanding of previous work.

The author makes a superficial analysis of the theme and shows some understanding of previous work.

The author makes very little or no analysis of the theme.

10 7 4 1Essay Requirements No mistakes are made

in MLA formatting and all essay requirements are met.

One to five mistakes are made in MLA formatting or one essay requirement is missing.

Five to ten mistakes are made in MLA formatting or two to three essay requirements are missing.

More than ten mistakes are made in MLA formatting or more than three essay requirements are missing.

Conventions Evident control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Sufficient control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Limited control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Minimal control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Style Precise, illustrative use of a variety of words and sentence structures to create writer’s voice and tone appropriate to the audience.

Generic use of a variety of words and sentence structures that may or may not create writer’s voice and tone appropriate to the audience.

Limited word choice and control of sentence structures that inhibit voice and tone.

Minimal variety in word choice and minimal control of sentence structures.

**If no information is presented related to the topic on the rubric, a score of 0 will be given.

#12 - DocumentationAssignment Summary:Biographical sketches of each author should be included in this section. In your sketch, tell about the author and his or her life in a short but detailed paragraph. Also, a works cited must be included in this section and follow standard MLA format.

Please use the rubric below to target the specific items to be included in your essay, and use the information above as starting points – it is not necessary to treat the above description as a list.Essay Assignment Due Date:

Total Pages:As long as needed to cover the authors

MLA format:Yes

Total Points:25

10 7 4 1Authors Detailed

biographical information is provided for each author.

Biographical information is provided for each author.

Biographical information is missing for one author.

Biographical information is missing for more than one author.

5 4 2 1Essay

RequirementsNo mistakes are made in MLA formatting and all essay requirements are met.

One to five mistakes are made in MLA formatting or one essay requirement is missing.

Five to ten mistakes are made in MLA formatting or two to three essay requirements are missing.

More than ten mistakes are made in MLA formatting or more than three essay requirements are missing.

Conventions Evident control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Sufficient control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Limited control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Minimal control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Style Precise, illustrative use of a variety of words and sentence structures to create writer’s voice and tone appropriate to the audience.

Generic use of a variety of words and sentence structures that may or may not create writer’s voice and tone appropriate to the audience.

Limited word choice and control of sentence structures that inhibit voice and tone.

Minimal variety in word choice and minimal control of sentence structures.

**If no information is presented related to the topic on the rubric, a score of 0 will be given.

#13 – Final Portfolio Presentation

Assignment Summary:You will be compiling all of your completed assignments into a final portfolio which you will turn in and create a presentation for the class about. This presentation can be creative in nature, but you must discuss the theme and the questions that you are answering. You must convey to the class how you came to the conclusion about the theme that you did. Use your final reflection essay as a starting point to help with your presentation. Your final portfolio will be graded both on the copy you submit to me and the presentation itself.

Please use the rubric below to target the specific items to be included in your essay, and use the information above as starting points – it is not necessary to treat the above description as a list.Essay Assignment Due Date:

Total Pages: MLA format:Yes

Total Points:100

20 15 10 5Presentation

SkillsThe student makes eye contact during all of the presentation and does not read from a script. They use an engaging tone and vocabulary.

The student makes eye contact during most of the presentation. They use an engaging tone and vocabulary.

The student makes eye contact during some of the presentation and and/or presents in a monotone throughout the presentation.

The student makes very little eye contact during the presentation and/or presents in a monotone throughout the presentation.

Presentation Originality

A significant effort is made to be original in the presentation. Student uses their own ideas to come up with a presentation for the class.

A sufficient effort is made to be original in the presentation. The student might need to use help from other sources to come up with a presentation for the class.

Some effort is made to be original and/or the student might need help with ideas for presenting to the class.

Little to no effort is made to be original in their presentation. A standard PowerPoint presentation is used.

Creativity and Originality

A significant effort is made to be creative and original in the hard copy of the final portfolio.

A sufficient effort is made to be creative and original in the hard copy of the final portfolio

Some effort is made to be creative and original in the hard copy of the final portfolio

Little to no effort is made to be creative and original in the hard copy of the final portfolio

Portfolio Requirements

Table of contents is included, along with all work previously graded.

Table of contents is included, but one piece is missing.

Table of contents is not included and/or missing more two pieces.

Table of contents is not included and/or missing more than two pieces.

10 7 4 1MLA

FormattingNo mistakes are made in MLA formatting.

One to five mistakes are made in MLA formatting.

Five to ten mistakes are made in MLA formatting.

More than ten mistakes are made in MLA formatting.

Conventions Evident control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Sufficient control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Limited control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

Minimal control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.

**If no information is presented related to the topic on the rubric, a score of 0 will be given.