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Environmental Studies / English 243
Introduction to Nature Writing
PAPER ON EDWARD ABBEY
In class we are reading and discussing some of the works and themes of Edward Abbey. This paper is your opportunity to explore more fully and systematically the significance of his works and to go well beyond what we have discussed in class. It is also an opportunity for you to further refine your critical thinking and your writing skills.
The topic of the paper is very open. You are to analyze his writings concerning one very specific but complex topic and issue (which means a rhetorical analysis is not appropriate). By focusing sharply on one well-defined topic, you will be able to go deeper than if you considered his work more generally. By framing the paper in terms of an issue, you will be able to engage critical thinking and write a more dynamic paper. The first page of the paper should have a clear and efficient statement of the thesis or the issue(s).
Examples of issues:
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What is the philosophy of nature found in Desert Solitaire?
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How does Abbey portray the desert in his writings? What metaphorical and spiritual meanings does it have?
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What types of special, “mystical” consciousness of nature does he describe? What is the nature of that experience? What would be required to achieve it?
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What are the different aspects and dimensions of Abbey’s spirituality? What are the complexities and tensions involved?
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Abbey is often portrayed as a radical activist, particularly in terms of his depictions of monkey-wrenching. But his position is complex. What are his views of direct action? Do his writings present different attitudes and ideals? Why does he hold the views he has? Are they justifiable? (Defend your assessment.)
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How are his commitment to preserving wilderness and his anarchism related?
Qualities of a successful paper
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Excellent comprehension of his writings, going beyond a superficial understanding of his basic ideas.
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Focus on a single but complex thesis or issue (stated in the first page) that enables the paper to probe deeply.
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Sensitivity to complexities and tensions.
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Effective use of quotations from Abbey to illustrate and support your analysis.
- Appropriate application of ideas and terms discussed in the course (e.g., ecofeminism, the Enlightenment, biocentrism/anthropocentrism)
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Clear and vigorous prose that communicates your thinking effectively.
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Proper grammar and spelling.
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My expectations and suggestions for good papers are spelled out in detail in Barnhill's Friendly Writing Manual
Things to avoid
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Simply repeating what was in the writings and class discussion.
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Presenting superficial analysis that is obvious to any reader.
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Offering personal responses that do not involve close analysis of the texts.
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Showing misunderstanding of the texts or ideas discussed in class.
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Lack of quotations or other references to the texts.
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Writing that fails to communicate your thinking.
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Writing that does not show respect to the reader or to the language.
Details
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Put final draft, first drafts, pre-writing, and peer editing evaluation form in a flat folder or envelop.
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Approximately five (5) full pages.
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One inch margins.
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Times New Roman 12 point.
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Printing on both sides of the paper is encouraged.
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At the top of the first page put your name, date, and "ES 243" single spaced. That is, no separate title page.
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Give the paper an informative and engaging title.
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Include page numbers.
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Cite your sources using MLA format. Include work cited page. See Barnhill's Friendly Writing Manual for details.
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Peer editing: Include first drafts, with name of editor on each draft. Also include your peer editing evaluation form.
Due:
> See syllabus for due date of pre-writing and paper.
> Late papers will be marked down.
> They are due at the BEGINNING of class. Don't miss class in order to finish it later that day - it will still be late.
NOTE: The Writing Center can help you improve your paper and learn writing and thinking skills. Please consider using that resource. Final drafts (NOT first drafts) of the paper on Edward Abbey can be turned in up to one week late without penalty if the student submits proof of working with the Writing Center on the final draft. You must make advance appointments with the Writing Center.
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