For this paper, your job is to use the class discussions of the unit to reflect

For this paper, your job is to use the class discussions of the unit to reflect on how the discussions / discussing the play from various critical lenses has helped you appreciate and think more critically about the play.
In other words, use what you said in the discussions and what you learned from your classmates to explain how psychoanalytical, critical race, feminist and possibly other readings of the text helped you appreciate the text more/ get a more critical experience than just reading the text.
25% of this unit’s grades will be based on posting analytical, thorough interpretations using the critical theory
25% of this will be on responding to other students
50% will be on this Literature appreciation paper.
Thus, this unit will rely heavily on the discussions than other units have. I have done this to encourage you to do the work as it comes and not wait for the last minute, since the semester is coming to a close.
This paper is your final exam.
Your paper should be a minimum of 5 FULL pages.
Steps:
1) Be sure to read about literary theory and make note of the questions that critics of that theory ask.
2) In the discussions, post at least 2-4 paragraphs worth of your interpretation of the text by asking a question from the list of questions critics of that theory ask. Post also 1 question about something in the text that you are curious about / don’t understand, that someone else in the class can respond to.
3) Respond to your peers by 1) responding to their interpretation 2) attempting to answer their question. Do that for at least 3 peers.
4) Take notes for yourself as you respond to your peers and read what they have to say. You will use this for your paper.
5) Think of what you learned as a result of reading the texts through at least 3 lenses (critical race, psychoanalytic, feminist). You can apply more theories if you want. Make an outline for your paper from these notes. What you learned can be questions that came up, theories you have yourself, readings that become complex and complicated that you want clarity for or more time to think about. Questions and confusions can demonstrate genuine engagement with the text, but be sure that you also demonstrate an attempt to answer your own questions and clarify your own confusion, as well as that of your classmates’.
6) Unlike in previous papers, this paper can be informal in tone. I want you to really be honest and explore, question, and lean into what struck you as interesting, inspiring, educational/eye opening. While you don’t have to strictly stick to the structure of an academic paper, your paper should be organized, should avoid repetition/redundancy or getting off topic.
You will be graded on
1) your engagement with the critical theories and applying at least 3 theories to better understand and appreciate the text
2) Using textual evidence (of both quotes from the text or comments your peers made in the discussion) to support your point and give examples / explanations
3) demonstrating original thought, and your genuine attempt to read, understand and appreciate the text