English Department HandbookFirst Reflection & Evaluation Project: An English Graduation Requirement : Literary Analysis
Purposes
The main purpose of this assignment is for English majors and minors to reflect on their progress in English up to this point and on their goals. However, the information you provide also may be helpful to the English Department in planning our curriculum.
A copy of your assignment must be on file in the English Department when your final transcript is evaluated in order for your major to be certified.
Who must do this assignment
Registering for Literary Analysis makes you an English major or minor, whether or not you have formally declared. As a result of being in this course, you are required to complete this assignment.
If you have not yet completed your major or minor declaration, now is a good time.
Format
What you turn in to your instructor should consist of:
The LetterA cover page, with your 1) name, 2) year, 3) student number, and 4) a list of the college English courses you have taken, including those you are currently taking. A letter addressed to the English Department, at least 750 words computer printed, single or double spaced. A copy of what you consider the best essay you have written so far in a college English course. Optional - A second piece of writing completed for an English course. You should submit this document as a single file by e-mail attachment to your instructor.
This copy will be kept on file by the English Department until after you graduate.
If you do not have a disk copy of your essay, then consult with your instructor on an alternative solution.
Note: Your writing will not be reevaluated. This is not a graded assignment. Your letter should respond to ALL of the following requests..
What is your main reason for completing an English major or minor? How does this program fit into your overall plans for your education and for professional development? What does the writing you have included show about your progress in studying English? Please feel free to discuss other writing you have done in any college courses. List the courses you would like to take to complete your major or minor, and explain how each will help you accomplish your goals in English and general education. See the "Department of English" in the Coe Catalog for information about courses. What are your off-campus study or internship plans? If you are thinking of writing an Honors Thesis in English, discuss topics you are considering. While we recognize you may not have specific plans yet, we would like you to speculate about topics of potential interest and what you hope to gain from working on such a project. Before writing this part, please review the chapter on the Honors Thesis in the English Handbook.
Revised June 2007
Coe College Department of English