Significance Statements
Title
Significance Statements
Creator
Kisha G. Tracy, Fitchburg State University
Instructions
Throughout Unit 1, we have discussed the significance of studying early British literature. We have seen read the thoughts of others, discussed specific studies that speak to the relevance of early British literature to modern times, and conversed with scholars in the field.
Hopefully, at this point, you have formed some ideas about the importance of what we are studying in this course. It is time then to articulate these ideas. Considering everything we have discussed as well as your own thoughts on the subject, you will now create your Significance Statements. You will define a minimum of 4 statements concerning why you personally believe studying early British literature is valuable.
For each of your statements, provide a significant explanation and reasoning. Over the course of the 4 statements (in other words, each statement does not need a quotation), you should use quotations (cited in MLA style) from at least 3 of our readings or Facebook discussions (these should be cited as well) in this unit. Thus, you should provide a Works Cited (in MLA style) at the end of your Statements.
Hopefully, at this point, you have formed some ideas about the importance of what we are studying in this course. It is time then to articulate these ideas. Considering everything we have discussed as well as your own thoughts on the subject, you will now create your Significance Statements. You will define a minimum of 4 statements concerning why you personally believe studying early British literature is valuable.
For each of your statements, provide a significant explanation and reasoning. Over the course of the 4 statements (in other words, each statement does not need a quotation), you should use quotations (cited in MLA style) from at least 3 of our readings or Facebook discussions (these should be cited as well) in this unit. Thus, you should provide a Works Cited (in MLA style) at the end of your Statements.
Resources
- Blog Post, Brandon Hawk, "Reflecting on the Significance of Studying the Middle Ages"
- Facebook Group, "Significance of Studying the Middle Ages"
- Link List, "Significance of Studying the Middle Ages"
Outcomes
Assignment Outcome
- Students will be able to apply readings from Unit 1 to their own personal thoughts.
- Students will be able to recognize and articulate the value of studying early British literature.
- Student will be able to identify and analyze the textual, historical, and cultural contexts of works of literature.
- Students will be able to develop insights effectively through written communication.
Suggested Rubric
| Criteria | A | B | C | D |
| Number of Resolutions (5 points) |
Minimum of 4 statements | Minimum of 4 statements, perhaps one is incomplete | Minimum of 3 statements | Minimum of 2 statements |
| Explanation and Reasoning (60 points) |
Provides careful and in-depth explanation and reasoning for statements, including appropriately-selected evidence to develop main and supporting points | Provides solid explanation and reasoning for statements, including appropriately-selected evidence to develop main and/or supporting points | Provides basic explanation and reasoning for statements, including potentially irrelevant choices for evidence to develop main and/or supporting points | Provides little or faulty explanation and reasoning, including a lack of evidence to develop main and supporting points |
| Personal Relationship (20 points) |
Demonstrates careful and in-depth thought concerning personal relationship to early British literature | Demonstrates solid thought concerning personal relationship to early British literature | Demonstrates basic thought concerning personal relationship to early British literature | Demonstrates little or haphazard thought concerning personal relationship to early British literature |
| MLA Citation (20 points) |
Employs correct and consistent MLA citation format in-text and in Works Cited; meets/exceeds secondary source requirement (3+) | Employs mostly correct and consistent MLA citation format in-text and in Works Cited; meets secondary source requirement (3) |
Employs recognizable MLA citation format in-text and in Works Cited with errors and inconsistencies; does not meet secondary source requirement (2) | Employs unrecognizable MLA citation format in-text and in Works Cited with confusing errors and inconsistencies; does not meet secondary source requirement (1) |
| Mechanics (20 points) |
Utilizes the mechanics of writing and grammar both correctly and with effective, deliberate (potentially even elegant) purpose; adheres to courseWriting Expectations | Utilizes the mechanics of writing and grammar correctly and deliberately, though may contain some errors; demonstrates solid understanding of course Writing Expectations | Tends not to use the mechanics of writing and grammar correctly and contains noticeable errors; demonstrates basic awareness of course Writing Expectations | Does not use the mechanics of writing and grammar correctly and deliberately and contains noticeable errors; demonstrates little awareness of course Writing Expectations |
Collection
Citation
Kisha G. Tracy, Fitchburg State University, “Significance Statements,” Teaching the Middle Ages in Higher Ed, accessed April 28, 2024, https://medievalhighered.omeka.net/items/show/1.