Growing up Southern

Paper #1

Growing up Southern

 

For this assignment you will write an essay on one of the topics listed below. The paper should be 6-7 typed, double-spaced pages. Use a 12 pt. font that is easy to read (such as Times New Roman or Calibri). You can use first person “I” in writing the paper. The paper should include some commentary or discussion about the topic’s importance to you. I need to have a clear sense of why you chose this particular topic and what meaning it holds for you.

 

For most topics, research will not be needed.  However, if you use any sources, be sure to document them and include a works cited page. I prefer MLA but APA, Chicago, or another official style guide is acceptable. See documentation guide link posted under “Writing Resources” in Canvas.  Do not create your own documentation style—you must use one of the standard styles.

 

I grade for content and mechanics (spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.).  I also grade for how well and how thoughtfully you discuss your topic. I look for a coherent, well-developed discussion that includes good details, observations, examples, and explanations. Please submit your paper as a Word file through Canvas by the assignment deadline.  See the grading rubric on the next page.

                

Here are the topics:

 

1. Write an essay on an aspect of Southern culture that has special interest or meaning for you, giving your perspective on one of these topics: family, community, home, sense of place, the importance of the land, music, religion, language, gender roles, social class, race relations or other issues pertaining to southern culture. Limit your focus and go in-depth with your discussion.  You could discuss the topic’s impact on growing up and on shaping the individual person. Use good descriptions, examples, and explanations in developing your topic.  If possible, relate your own experiences in connection with the aspect you are discussing.

 

2. Write a personal narrative paper describing a particular experience you had that is relevant to Southern culture or says something important about life and values associated with the region. Re-create the scene, include what people said or did, add sensory details (what you heard, saw, felt, etc.), and talk about the personal significance the experience had then and now.

 

3. Describe your experience growing up and discuss how your region or culture shaped your identity and life experiences. What role did one or more of the aspects listed in #1 above (family, gender, religion, race, social class, etc.) have in your growing up experience? What distinctive ways of life did you experience?

 

4. Write about a story or “legend” that has been in your family or community for a long time. Give the background of the story, tell the story, and discuss its significance in your life and your family’s life.  (Or, you could discuss the role storytelling has held in your family and then give some of the stories that have been passed down.)

 

5. Several of the writers we are studying this semester include children’s voices and perspectives. How would you describe your voice as a child and your capability with language?  Were you able to express yourself freely and confidently, or was your voice defined more by shyness and silence? Could you find the words you needed to express your thoughts, ideas, and experiences?  How have these things changed as you have gotten older? Use specific examples or experiences to illustrate your discussion.

 

 

6. Write an essay about how you think the media (newspapers, magazines, television, or movies) portrays the South and the people who live there. You could write on one or more forms of media. What images are conveyed? Are they positive, negative, realistic, or based on stereotypes?  How are people, place, customs, etc. presented?  What is your opinion about these portrayals?  What impact do these portrayals have? (Use specific examples to illustrate your discussion).

 

           

Paper Rubric

Your papers will be evaluated according to the rubric below. I give pluses and minuses to allow for variations in each category. A numerical value will be assigned to letter grades (see grading policy in syllabus).

 

Criteria	“A” Outstanding	“B” Proficient	“C” Basic	“D” Below Expectations
General Quality	Fully addresses the topic in an intelligent, thoughtful manner	Shows good understanding of the topic	Adequate response in discussing the topic	Minimal  or inadequate discussion of topic
Critical Thinking	Rich in content; Full of thought, insight, and analysis.	Substantial information; Thought, insight, and analysis present	Generally competent; Information is commonplace	Rudimentary and superficial; No analysis or insight displayed
Timeliness	Paper is submitted on time or early	Paper is  submitted on time	Paper is submitted on time	Paper is submitted late
Stylistics	Few grammatical or stylistic errors	Several grammatical or stylistic errors	Obvious   grammatical or stylistic errors; Errors interfere with understanding content	Many grammatical or stylistic errors; Makes understanding impossible

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