Final Draft Due: December 18th at 11:59 pm

The Assignment: Your final portfolio will comprise three main parts: your revised literature statement (including your two rough drafts), a reflection, and a critical essay. 

Part 1: What is Literature? Statement 

In this class, we will read and discuss various forms of literature. But what is literature, and why is it important? Over the course of the semester, each student will draft and expand a written statement exploring their individual idea of what literature is, why it is important, and its role in their own lives. 

These literature statements are not meant to be strict 5-paragraph essays, but rather a formal yet creative way for students to share their unique perspective on art and literature. Perhaps your literature statement will take the form of a manifesto, or maybe you’ll start with a short anecdote about your parent introducing you to what is now your favorite book. Overall, each student’s literature statement should be radically different; a reflection of themselves as individual readers and writers. While we’ll be reading about many different authors’ ideas of art/literature and you’ll be asked to cite at least two of them in your statement, still make sure that your statement sounds and feels like you!

These are meant to be living documents that will evolve as we read essays by different authors, encounter new mediums, and explore literary theory throughout the semester. 

You will submit three drafts, each worth 5% of your total grade, with the final draft submitted with your final portfolio alongside your reflection and final paper. 

Draft 1: Due October 23rd (5%)

Draft 2 + Peer Review: Due November 20th (in-class) (5%)

Final Draft: Due December 18th (5%) 

In your “What is Literature” statement, you should address the following questions:

• What is literature? How do you personally define it? 
• What is the role of literature in your own life? How do you interact with it, consume it, and create it?
• How can we expand our understanding of art and literature? 
• Why is literature important? What role does it play in everyday society and/or what power does it have? 
• Which authors from this semester communicate an idea of/about literature that you resonate with? 

To be successful, your final draft must:

• Your final Literature statement should be a minimum of 1500 words, double-spaced, 12-point font. 
• MLA 9th edition citations and format
• You must cite or refer to at least 2 supplemental texts from the course in your literature statement in a meaningful, relevant way
  • “Childhood and Poetry” by Pablo Neruda 
  • Art Objects by Jeanette Winterson
  • Burn This Book by Toni Morrison
  • Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
  • Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud
  • Create Dangerously by Albert Camus
• Students must communicate a personal understanding of art and literature that highlights their individual voice as writers
• You must address each question listed above 
• Exhibit clear revisions and meaningful changes between rough and final drafts, incorporating instructor and peer feedback. 

First Rough Draft Due: October 23rd at 11:59pm

-Your rough draft will be due on Canvas on October 23rd at 11:59pm in the form of a PDF or Word doc. 

-Your first draft must be at least 500 words and answer each of the questions listed above. 

-Any supplemental reading quoted must be properly cited using MLA 9th edition format.