Important Steps in Completing
Your Major Essay

Each major essay assignment asks you to document several stages in the writing process. You should read an assignment document in advance of the day we discuss it and begin thinking about possible topics. Once we've discussed the assignment in class you should move through the following stages, keeping the due dates for each stage firmly in mind.

Abstract

A one- or two-paragraph document in which you state your main argument (thesis), briefly explaining the point you want to get across in your paper, and mention a few useful sources you have found in your preliminary research. Abstracts should be turned in to me in an e-mail report.

The following is an example of a well-written abstract submitted by a student:

I will argue that mythology has not been replaced or even diluted by technology, but because technology has made everything seem so complicated, we look to myth now more than ever to help us understand the big issues and work through life's struggles. I will work with the sources Think by Simon Blackburn, Codes of Evolution by Rush Dozier, Jr., What Really Matters by Tony Schwartz, and several works by Joseph Campbell.

First Draft

A carefully proofread and well-organized first version of your essay. Your draft is NOT a set of notes, an outline, or a series of random observations. At minimum, your first draft must set forth a thesis and include sufficient supporting materials, and it should at least approach the minimum word length requirement. Your first draft should be typed and should conform to MLA style and format requirements, including a Works Cited list at the end of the document. Any draft that does not fulfill these criteria will not be accepted as a complete effort and will be returned without credit and considered late. You will be required to submit your first draft along with your final version of each major writing assignment. First drafts may not be submitted via e-mail.

Conference

You will have the opportunity to meet with me in my office to discuss each of your essays. Conferences are not mandatory, but they are highly recommended. Approximately one week before I begin holding conferences I will post a blank schedule outside my office door. Conference slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to sign up for one early. Please note, if you fail to attend a scheduled confrence, your major essay will be penalized one-half a letter grade. Come to conferences prepared with questions about your essay.

Peer Review

About one week before your final draft is due, you will make two copies of the draft that you will supply to your classmates for peer review. You also will write a peer response for two of your classmates. A worksheet will be provided to aid you in this process.

Final Version

A final version is a finished written product. It sets forth a clearly articulated thesis and purpose, supports the ideas with substantial evidence and reasoned argument, and presents its ideas and information in a logically ordered manner. A final version is also fluently written and correct as to grammar, mechanics, and format. Final versions should demonstrate significant revision in content, organization, and style from that of a draft version, and, when appropriate, should incorporate all of the comments and suggestions recorded on drafts and peer reviews. Please note that minor adjustments such as "fixing" grammar, spelling, mechanics, etc., do not constitute significant revision. The work's development from the initial draft to the final version will be considered in assessing the final version for a grade.