2. CHAIR POET?
When power leads man
towards arrogance, poetry
reminds him of his
limitations. When power
narrows the area of man's
concern, poetry reminds him
of the richness and diversity
of existence. When power
corrupts, poetry cleanses.
John F. Kennedy
4. POSTING: SELF-ASSESSMENT
The blogging post points (200) require self-
assessment. Consider three aspects of your
responses:
• First, how many of the posts did you make? (39
possible: 80%=31)
• Second, what was the quality of your response?
• Third, how timely were your submissions?
Write a brief argument justifying your grade.
This is due before the final. Please submit it as an
email electronically to
palmoredessaysubmission@gmail.com
6. EXAM 3: 200 POINTS
• 25 questions on the material from the final section
(Class 34-End). 65 points
• 7 questions on the material from the first two
exams 35 points
• 1 Essay Question 100 points
7. MODERNISM/POSTMODERNISM
In a thesis driven essay, discuss the themes, style, form,
experiments, perspectives, or changes that define the
trajectory of modernism and postmodernism by
engaging three or four of the texts we have read during
the quarter. Make sure to use a range of works that span
the 90+ years we have covered. Ground your argument in
textual examples and adequate explanation and analysis.
8. CRITICAL THEORY
In a thesis driven essay, discuss three or four texts
from multiple decades through the lens of one
critical theory (Feminist, Marxist, African American
[minority], or Queer). Ground your argument in
textual examples and adequate explanation and
analysis.
9. POETRY
Do a close reading of one or two poems. Consider
form, meter, rhyme, symbols, metaphors, images, and
content. In a thesis driven essay, show how or why
the poem is significant. What does it say about the
condition of society at the time it was written?
Ground your argument in textual examples and
adequate explanation and analysis. Bring a copy of
the poem(s) you plan to use.
10. NAMES AND NAMING
Discuss names, naming, and the lack of names in
three or four texts that span the era of modernism
and postmodernism. How does naming reflect the
social condition? How is it important to our
understanding of both the novel and the historical
context relevant to the texts you have chosen?
Ground your argument in textual examples and
adequate explanation and analysis.
11. THE AMERICAN DREAM
While the messages of the Dream has motivated and enabled
many Americans, it has also veiled the many systemic
limitations and restrictions inherent in “The Dream.” In a
thesis driven essay, using three or four texts that represent
the 90 years that we covered in the class, explain how the
American Dream has both inspired and disillusioned
20th/21st Century Americans. Consider immigrants and the
poor, the spiritual and ethical corruption of those trying to
achieve The Dream, the Beats, materialism, and the current
status of The Dream. Ground your argument in textual
examples and adequate explanation and analysis.
