Midterm Instructions(1)

Midterm Essay Assignment Overview

The midterm essay is an important assignment that contributes 20% to the overall course grade. This written piece aims to explore the connections between a chosen literary text and a contemporary retelling or adaptation of that text. The essay must consist of:

• 1 introductory paragraph.

• At least 2 main points of discussion.

• 1 concluding paragraph.

Choosing Texts for Analysis

Students will work with two specific texts:

1. The first text is a literary fairy tale, animal fable, myth, or legend from the course syllabus. If preferred, students may select a text not covered in class but written by an author studied during the course. For example, while Hans Christian Andersen's "Little Mermaid" was discussed, students might opt for his story "The Ugly Duckling".

2. The second text must be a contemporary version that revises, adapts, or reinterprets the first text. Potential contemporary texts include various forms of media such as:

• Books

• Picture books

• Television shows or episodes

• Video games

• Films

• Songs

• Poems

• Paintings

• SculpturesFor instance, selecting Andersen’s Little Mermaid might lead to a choice of either Disney adaptation (1989 or 2023).

Essay Focus

The essay should delve into how the contemporary text revises or departs from the original text, scrutinizing how these changes impact the narrative's meaning. Students are expected to move beyond a simple comparison of differences or similarities; rather, they should provide an argument interpreting how intertextual connections create meaning. This entails:

• At least two main points for comparison that intricately analyze the chosen texts.

• A close reading approach that emphasizes in-depth analysis of significant examples rather than shallow treatment of numerous examples.

Formatting Requirements

The essay must adhere to MLA or APA formatting styles and include a Works Cited page. While secondary research is not mandated, it is permissible if integrated thoughtfully into the argument. All external sources should be diligently cited in accordance with the selected format.

Writing Process and Schedule

The essay is to be composed over two designated class periods:

• March 3rd: Students will create a draft of their midterm essay, which should be handwritten. Grades will be assigned based on completion, encouraging students to engage actively with the assignment.

• March 5th: Instructors will return the draft, and students will revise and edit their essays. The final version, which may be handwritten or typed, will be graded. Before this class, students must ensure they have access to the BlackBoard Lockdown Browser to complete their assignment if they opt to type. Students should also come prepared to write by removing extraneous materials from their workspace.

Allowed Materials During the Writing

Students may bring the following materials to assist with their writing:

• Hard copies of planning notes—these could include relevant quotes from both texts and structured outlines.

• Annotated copies of both texts, which might contain highlights or notes to assist with the writing process. However, it is important to note that pre-written essays or materials will not be accepted and will result in serious academic consequences.

Academic Integrity and AI Use

The use of AI generative technology is strictly forbidden in this assignment. The objective is for students to showcase their comprehension of course material through their unique perspectives and analyses. Instructors will take precautionary measures to investigate any suspected use of AI in written assignments, adhering to academic misconduct policies to uphold integrity in academic work.

Grading Criteria

The essay will be evaluated based on the following components:

Essay Draft (10 marks)

• Attending draft class and participating in essay writing:

  • Complete: 10 marks

  • Incomplete: 0 marks

Thesis & Analysis (30 marks)

• Clarity of thesis statement, originality, logical argumentation, and supporting evidence:

  • Main ideas may be difficult to follow; evidence poorly linked to argument may lead to low scores.

  • A competent grasp of concepts earning intermediate marks for analysis.

  • Strong essays exhibiting complex reasoning and in-depth analysis will score highly.

Organization (10 marks)

• Clarity in topic sentences, logical flow, and structure of arguments:

  • Essays should have a clear introduction, coherent paragraphs, and formulated conclusions.

Language & Mechanics (5 marks)

• Formal syntax, grammar, punctuation, and overall proofreading:

  • Essays should strive for near-perfect mechanics to earn full marks.

Style (5 marks)

• Adherence to MLA or APA formatting:

  • Well-formatted essays without errors will meet the highest criteria.

The essay topic/question revolves around exploring the connections between a chosen literary text (a fairy tale, animal fable, myth, or legend) and a contemporary retelling or adaptation of that text. Students are expected to analyze how the contemporary text revises or departs from the original text and how these changes impact the narrative's meaning.

Essay Outline for Midterm Essay Assignment

I. Introduction

• Introduce the two texts: the original literary text and the contemporary retelling.

• Present a thesis statement that conveys the main argument about the connections and differences between the texts.

II. Main Point 1: Analysis of Original Text

• A. Summary of the original text

  • Briefly summarize the key themes, characters, and narrative elements.

• B. Analysis of significant elements

  • Discuss elements such as themes, character motivations, or societal context.

III. Main Point 2: Analysis of Contemporary Text

• A. Summary of the contemporary retelling

  • Provide an overview of the retelling's narrative and its unique features.

• B. Comparison to the original text

  • Highlight the revisions, adaptations, or reinterpretations present in the contemporary text.

IV. Main Point 3: Impact of Changes

• A. Analyze how changes affect narrative meaning

  • Discuss the implications of the differences between the texts on their themes or messages.

• B. Use specific examples from both texts

  • Quote significant passages to support your analysis.

V. Conclusion

• Summarize the key arguments made in the essay.

• Reinforce the thesis statement and suggest potential implications or thoughts for further exploration.