The final seminar essay you will write in this class is a reflective essay. An essay of this sort uses all of the tools you have gleaned while improving your writing skills:
 | focusing on one topic with a explicit thesis statement; | |
| developing a logical progression of thought; | |
| using transitions to move from one idea to the next; | |
| drawing upon specific evidence; | |
| using evidence and authority to strengthen your writing; | |
| using a variety of sentence complexity; | |
| displaying a mastery of mechanical and grammatical correctness. |
Your job then is to reflect upon your experiences in this class, then write about them, elaborating upon how you have changed as a reader and writer about poetry throughout your time in Introduction to Poetry -- this piece should show the skills you have gained throughout the quarter. Since you are a pioneer of sorts, as not many people have taken this type of class, you should have much to share about your experiences.
This is also your opportunity to go back a see if you made your goals. Remember they are posted on our site, so, too, will the reflection paper be posted--thus I need the reflection paper given to be either on a disk or through email. Did you make your goals? Did you attain others that you had not thought of? It's remarkable what happens when theory and practice blend.
Reflect back upon your development in these last few months, and write about those insights. This is your chance to talk about yourself as a poetry critic, reader, and writer. Please follow your own inspiration here. Know, too, that reflection essays are rarely less than three pages long, as they require depth of thought which means ample development. Since this will be the final essay you write in English 275, your talents should be abundantly displayed. The possibilities are endless.
Finally, this paper should discuss your interpretation of what poetry is (and is not). If you have questions, let us know.
