Library

Watch this video on how to find books and other items in the libraries' online catalog and this video on how to find articles in the libraries' online databases. Afterwards you should intimately familiarize yourself with the Distance Learning Guide. An understanding of how to perform research using this resource is an absolutely essential component of the course. You are responsible for all of the information provided therein.

Reading & Comprehension

NFG: Read Chp. 15: Annotated Bibliographies, Chp. 48: Synthesizing Ideas, Chp. 49: Quoting, Paraphrasing & Summarizing and Chp. 50: Acknowledging Sources, Avoiding Plagiarism.

For assistance with your reading of the main text of The Great Gatsby, you may refer to Spark Notes. It goes without saying that Spark Notes are meant to be used as auxilliary sources; they can be very useful in this capacity. Do not simply read them instead of the text itself, however—it will show in your writing.

Annotated Bibliography

Here are the instructions for the annotated bibliography as described in the syllabus:

Compose an annotated bibliography of SIX sources on the topic of THE AMERICAN DREAM as represented in The Great Gatsby. Pattern your bibliographies after the sample in Chp. 15: Annotated Bibliographies of NFG, although keep in mind that each annotation should be 100-150 words and formatted according to MLA style. Be sure to include an introduction in which you state a clear purpose and target audience. 750-1000 words.

NOTE: To do your research, use the WSU Libraries databases, namely the Academic Search Complete and MLA International Bibliography, which will render professional academic sources. Avoid web browsers the likes of Google and Yahoo as they will point you to sources such as Spark Notes, Wikipedia, Book Rags, eNotes, eBooks, and other "general education" websites—none of which are viable for the purposes of this scholarly annotated bibliography.

Assignments

Summary: Summarize Chp. 15: Annotated Bibliographies in NFG. Be attentive both to the information in the chapter as well as the chapter's structure. Your first sentence should be a thesis statement in which you succinctly (yet specifically) define what an annotated bibliography is. 500-750 words. Submit via Pilot. DUE DATE & TIME: Friday, Sep. 21, 9 a.m.

Short Essay: In Was Gatsby Black?, Elizabeth Manus discusses the argument made by an African-American scholar, Carlyle V. Thompson, that Jay Gatsby was black. Write a short essay in which you agree or disagree with Thompson, citing the article on at least four occasions. 500-750 words. Submit via Pilot. DUE DATE & TIME: Friday, Sep. 28, 9 a.m.

Annotated Bibliography: Complete and submit via Pilot. DUE DATE & TIME: Friday, Oct. 5, 9 a.m.