Long Paper #2

This is the second of two long papers this semester and the last paper for this class.

Each long paper is made up of three grades. The first grade is for your rough draft, the second for a mandatory meeting with me to go over suggested revisions, and the third is for the final draft.You can also find this and additional information on your syllabus.

I will pass around a sign up sheet next week for the meeting times on March 2. If for some reason you cannot meet on that date, we can arrange an alternative time. You will receive your rough draft at your meeting.

Final drafts will be returned via the box in the copy room. Once I put a note on this website, go to the copy box and find your paper. Your paper will be covered with an envelope with your name on it. Please pick it up! On it will be your final grade for the entire long paper project as well as your expected grade for the semester.

If you have any concerns about your final grade, email me immediately.

FREE READS

You may want to meet with me or send me a draft before you turn in your rough draft. I will make meetings if you email me at amy.hildreth@emory.edu or I will accept preliminary rough drafts up until noon on Wednesday, April 14. You can send me ideas, paragraphs, whatever you would like.

Each student is given the opportunity at one "free read" before each paper (or rough draft and final draft) is due. This policy will apply throughout the remainder of the semester. It is in your best interest to take advantage of this policy. Free reads for the final draft must be emailed to me by noon on Wednesday, April 21.

DUE DATES

Rough Draft: April 15
Meeting: April 20
Final Draft: April 22

REQUIREMENTS

Each paper should be 5-6 pages long, double spaced in Times 12 point font with standard spacing and margins, and turned in on paper. Students should follow MLA guidelines on the formatting of their paper and in their citation methods. Papers will be evaluated according to the following criteria, although +/- grades may be present in order to indicate the relative strength of the work within these general categories.

A: This paper addresses the question in a manner that demonstrates a comprehension of the assignment as well as the social and political contexts discussed in class. The thesis is clear and concise, allowing the argument to develop in a structured manner. Additionally, the paper is original as it provides a unique perspective. All MLA guidelines are correct and there are minimal technical problems.

B: This paper completes the basic requirements of the assignment, follows MLA guidelines, and is generally clear and concise. It does, however, need to improve in one or a few of the following areas: organization, argument development, or mechanics.

C: This paper answers the question of the assignment, but lacks useful citation from the primary text and contains an underdeveloped thesis statement. MLA citations may be incorrect, and/or other technical problems may be present.

D: This paper does not complete the requirements of the assignment.

TOPIC CHOICES

1. Discuss the sexual metaphor implied in "Act of Union" by Seamus Heaney. What country is the male? What country is the female? How is pregnancy an apt metaphor for the Troubles?

2. Choose two poems about the islands off the West Coast of Ireland (W.B. Yeats's "The Lake Isle of Innisfree," Derek Mahon's "Thinking of Inis Oir in Cambridge, MA" and Michael Longley's "Leaving Inishmore") to compare and contrast their depiction of nostalgia.

3. Derek Mahon disagreed with the portrait of himself and Michael Longley in the latter's poem "Letter to Derek Mahon." Locate the contentious language and argue either for Michael Longley's right to portray their shared time or Derek Mahon's reservations about appropriating their experience.

4. The Belfast Group tended to write poems to and about one another. In our packet, Michael Longley wrote two to Seamus Heaney. Choose one of these poems and find echoes of Seamus Heaney's distinctive poetic style. (Note: You must situate your reading of Longley by locating quotes from the original Heaney poems)

5. How does Ciaran Carson portray Belfast in his long poem "Queen's Gambit"? Pay close attention to the moments of ekphrasis and his interest in branding and advertising imagery.