The assignment will require you to read four pages (which you should choose from a single chapter) to write a detailed summary of that reading, and to reflect and on what you have learned from the reading. The length of the final paper will be between four and six pages (typed and double -spaced and stapled). Please provide two copies of the paper (I will be keeping one of them). You may choose your own title for the paper if you wish to do so. Please note: Whatever four pages you choose, you must read and summarize every article (including sidebars and short commentaries on maps, charts, etc.)

For class on Monday of Week 7 (February 15), you will need to hand in a sample of paraphrases of one page from CEEL from whatever chapter you choose to do. Your sample should be from 250 to 300 words. This assignment will allow for feedback on the paper before it is due. Please consult the policy on late papers (this policy applies to the paraphrase sample as well as to the final paper). When you receive the paraphrase sample back, please keep it: you will need to turn it in with the final paper.

The introduction to the paper can be part of your reflection on what you have read; accordingly, you may wish to rewrite the introduction after you have finished the other parts of the paper. There should also be a conclusion that synthesizes your analysis and that makes clear your reflections.

All the sections of the chapter you choose should be discussed in your summary. The main criteria in summary writing are these: 1) clear and accurate recapitulation; 2) good paraphrasing; 3) maximum detail with minimum language. In class we will review these points and do an exercise relevant to the criteria. You might also want to consult Diana Hacker's Bedford Handbook (which is used in many English courses), especially her chapter on critical thinking and the section there on writing about texts.

You should use MLA reference style (which can be found in the Bedford Handbook).