Entry Essay Guidelines, Suggested
When to write this essay: During the first half of the semester in English 281, you will be assigned a self-reflective entry essay. A clean copy of this essay, free of instructor comments, grades, and proofreading marks, will be placed in your portfolio.
The self-reflective entry essay that is placed in the portfolio should be four pages, double-spaced, and marked in the upper left-hand corner following the guidelines for the format of the research paper set forth in the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (section 4.5): your name, the professor’s name (Professor X), course number (for example, English 481), and date. (Your instructor may have different formatting guidelines for the paper turned in during class.)
Suggested Guidelines: In preparing this essay, think about your background, your expectations for being an English major, and your beliefs. Try to include relevant facts about your background, but refrain from mentioning names of instructors in the department or providing personal reviews of individuals. The self-reflective entry essay should be written in an informal style that gives voice to you as an individual. It should reflect among other things your feelings, your aspirations, and your enthusiasm. Develop the essay using specific examples of texts, authors, and theories. While we are providing you with a number of ideas to get started, please do not simply answer the questions below. You are composing a narrative with a coherent beginning, middle, and end.
A good way to begin is to take a look at the “Attitudes” section of the “Goals of the Major in English at UW Oshkosh.” Do you believe that reading well serves an important function in American society? What does it mean to be literate? What is the importance of writing well in a variety of situations? What is the importance of metaphorical thinking? What kind of critical reflection do you engage in daily?
Give an account of your background In English, American and other literatures. State the courses you have taken in high school and/or other institution before coming to this university. Mention the authors and the literary works that you studied. You don't have to be comprehensive. Write down whatever you can remember.
State your experiences with studying literature. Did you like it, enjoy it, or did you ever have any negative feelings toward literature?
What kind of impact did the study of English in high school have on you? What contribution did it make to your intellectual growth?
Can you think of a valuable course, a remarkable writer, or a new theory or method of research that had a profound influence on your thinking?
What authors do you wish you had read in high school to better prepare you for college?
What are your expectations as an English major? What do you want to accomplish? What kind of knowledge, skills, and abilities do you hope to acquire?
Are you satisfied with the type of courses that are offered to English majors at UW Oshkosh? Do you find any significant omissions?
Create a profile of a good teacher. What qualities do you value most in a good teacher?
What are your career goals? How do you think the course of study as an English major will help you attain your goals?
If you changed your major from another subject to English, state the factors that prompted you to make the change.
SEE ALSO
- 481 portfolio introduction guidelines
Assessment Home