This final poetry project will consist of two parts: a thorough research paper and an original poem and justification/analysis. The essay will be 90% of your grade while your "presentation" of your original poem during the exam period will constitute the remaining 10%. The overall project (as your final exam) will count 15%-20% of your semester average (whichever helps you more). Your first objective with your chosen poet is to research his/her life and poems. Some questions to consider:
Who was your poet? What impact did their poetry have on them, their friends/family, and/or the world at large? What were some unique things that happened in your poet's life? How did their life affect their writing? Did their poems follow a particular pattern or "recipe?" Did their writing change over time? If so, how and why? What details from your poet's life and writing make him/her so interesting or influential? What did others say/think about your poet and his/her work?
As you conduct your research, begin to form an interesting and unique thesis statement that your support will validate.
Here are some essentials for your essay:
- 1500 words (minimum), 2500 words (maximum)
- Good, creative title
- Correctly used parenthetical citations (see my Moodle Help Section if needed)
- Works Cited page (MLA) of everything that was cited in the essay
- Minimum of 5 total (legitimate) academic sources
- At least 3 of your sources have to come from research databases (e.g. JSTOR, Literature Resource Center, etc.)
- Multiple, specific references to various poems (and quotes lines/verses) from your poet to help prove your point(s)
For your original poem, you will compose a poem of at least 20-50 lines in the style of your poet. As you research your poet, begin to understand the intricacies of his/her writing subjects and style. Apply these things to your own unique poem. You will read it aloud to the class during the exam period and give us a brief (2-4 min) explanation/analysis of your own poem and its connection to your poet. No visual aids are needed except for the poem itself (hard copy preferred).
