HUS 210 Template

I. Introduction to the method of textual analysis.

Stages 1-6: Close reading, identification of author, plot summary and central idea, structure, analysis of form and content, and conclusion.

1. The class is divided in groups of three or four. After locating biographical notes about the author from the text, encyclopedias or other sources, students discuss which pieces of information are pertinent and which are irrelevant to the analysis in questions. They must also determine what is factual information which does not need to be quoted, and what is a critic's opinion that needs to be acknowledged. They proceed to freewrite for 11 minutes about stage 2.

2. Plot summary, central idea and structure need no special instructions at this point.

3. The analysis goes by section.

a. Exposition. Students work with their groups to discuss the following elements in the exposition: Who tells the story? Where does it take place and when? How is the atmosphere created (what words or descriptions are used/) Who are the main characters and how are they portrayed (characterization techniques: descriptions/dialogue). Then they freewrite for 11 minutes about the exposition.

b. Development. With your group, identify the main subsections in the development and label each one.

c. Denouement. Is there a last line reversal in the story? Is the ending ambiguous? Does the writer tell you how the story ends or does she/he let you draw your own conclusions?

4. Conclusion. With your group, work on a final paragraph summarizing what you have discussed about the story and forging a critical evaluation of the story.

II. Evaluation of Secondary Sources

NAME:

SECONDARY SOURCES FOR _________________________________
NOTE: You must use at least one source from each category for each paper.

I. BOOKS

1.Citation Information
a)Author

b) Editor

c)Full Title

d)lmprint

Place of publication:

Publisher:

Date of publication:

e) Other information (translator, multiple
volumes)

2. Features (Write page numbers)
a) Table of contents ___________
b) Bibliography_________________
c) Glossary ____________________
d) Appendix_____________________

II. Articles

a) Author___________________
b) Title____________________
c) Periodical_______________
d) Volume/number/quarter____
e) Pages____________________

III. Websites

a)Web address_______________

b) Author___________________

III. Incorporating secondary sources.

1. Bring to class a copy of a critical essay about Borges's story. With your group, determine what sections of the article are pertinent to your analysis of the story. Copy or highlight these sections.

2. Critical quotes are always incorporated in the analytic section of your essay, after localization and plot summary. Find a place in your analysis where you could insert these comments, whether directly quoted or paraphrased.

3. Make sure that you introduce the critical comment with a transitional sentence, and that you then react to the comment. Make sure that the reader knows when the quote student and your comments begin again. DO NOT LET THE CRITICAL COMMENT TAKE OVER YOUR PAPER.

4. Document your source with a parenthetical note.
Make sure that you have all the bibliographical information you need for the list of works cited at the end of your paper.