This essay gives you the chance to explore an idea from one of the course readings. Select a short passage no longer than 3 sentences in length from the previous weeks’ reading materials (in this case, any reading from Weeks 4-7 is available) that you found troubling, inspiring, helpful, illuminating, or that gave you pause or raised questions. Quote the passage in your essay and briefly explain why you chose it. Then perform a close reading of the passage that interprets its meanings, asks questions, or pursues a different line of thinking. Finally, relate the ideas present in your selected passage to two other readings from the class (these can be selected from any week). You can include a discussion of two other readings in your analysis or you can write about them in a separate paragraph. The paper must word count at least 550. (Times New Roman, 12-point font, 1-inch margins).
Essays will be graded on the depth of engagement with a passage, how well the passage is connected to other material from the class, and originality. While your discussion of the passage should be mostly accurate, you will not lose points for overreaching. One goal of the assignment is for you to take some risks with your thinking.
It might benefit you to revisit the comments left on your first exploratory essay before you write this one. As always, please reach out with questions!
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