What does it mean to write for social change? How did social agents in the 19th century use language and text to make a difference? What can we learn from them now, in our own historical moment?
Length & Format: 3-5 pages, double-spaced, MLA standards (Links to an external site.). Text must hit last line on 3rd page to be considered complete. Include a Works Cited (Links to an external site.); does not count towards page minimum.

First, develop a question or inquiry for your paper. You can use my questions above to get you thinking, but as you brainstorm you will refine and revise those questions to be more focused towards your own interest. “How” questions make for good papers; for example, how do 19th century writers represent X? will be more focused, grounded in the text, and high-stakes than what do 19th century writers say about X? Once you’ve got your research question, go back to the texts. Skim them and look through your notes – what texts pull you back, make you want to think with them again? Jot down places in the text where your question is addressed. This will be the start of your close reading paper.

This is a text-based, close-reading, argumentative paper. That means: do not bring out outside sources or research unless you discuss them with me first. Instead, I want you to focus on the course texts to discuss what they are saying, how they say it, and why that matters. Please include close reading and analysis of 2-3* course texts in your paper.

Your paper should include:

· An introduction that introduces the texts you’ll be using (along with author names & publication dates) and sets up the “conversation” between texts. What is the main issue or question this paper will be addressing?

· Several body paragraphs, usually one per main thought/ focus:

· Use direct quotes, summary, and paraphrase from the texts to show how these texts speak to or about your topic. This is your evidence to build your claim.

· Make sure you’re connecting the paragraphs to each other – show how one paragraph builds off of the one before it, extending the discussion, deepening it, or challenging the previous point.

· A conclusion/ pay-off moment where you explain what all of this means and why it matters. So what if X said Y? What impact does that have now? What can we learn from these texts?