AI in Assessment Example: Level 1

Literature Analysis (English, 300-level)

At this “No AI” level of the five-level AI Assessment Scale (Perkins, et al., 2024) the assignment is completed entirely without the use of Al. This level requires students to rely solely on their own knowledge, understanding, and skills. Al must not be used at any point during the assessment.

Course: ENGL 320 – Advanced Literary Analysis

Assignment Title: Thematic Analysis of a Novel Not Covered in Class

Due Date: [Insert Due Date]

Assignment Overview:
In this assignment, you will write an in-depth analysis of a theme in a novel not covered in class, focusing on how this theme is developed and its relevance to the overall narrative. The goal is to engage deeply with the text, offering your unique interpretation and analysis. No AI tools are allowed in this assignment; your analysis must be based entirely on your independent reading, interpretation, and critical thinking.

Objectives:

To conduct a thorough thematic analysis of a novel, demonstrating original thinking and deep engagement with the text.
To develop and refine your ideas through a process of drafting and annotation, showing the evolution of your thoughts and analysis.
To provide evidence of your independent work through annotated drafts that document your thought process and critical engagement with the text.

Instructions:

Novel Selection and Initial Reading:
- Select a novel that has not been covered in class. This novel should be one that you are interested in analyzing, with rich thematic content that lends itself to in-depth analysis.
- Read the novel carefully, paying close attention to the development of themes, character interactions, narrative structure, and the author’s use of literary devices.
Identifying and Analyzing the Theme:
- Identify a specific theme within the novel that you find particularly compelling. Consider how this theme is woven throughout the narrative and its significance to the story’s broader meaning.
- As you read, take notes on key passages, symbols, and moments in the narrative that relate to your chosen theme. Consider how these elements contribute to the theme’s development and its impact on the characters and plot.
Developing Your Analysis:
- Begin drafting your thematic analysis, focusing on how the theme is introduced, developed, and resolved within the novel. Your analysis should include:
  - Introduction: A brief introduction to the novel, including the author and a concise thesis statement that outlines your interpretation of the theme and its relevance to the narrative.
  - Thematic Development: A detailed analysis of how the theme is developed throughout the novel, including specific examples and quotes that illustrate the theme’s presence and significance.
  - Narrative Relevance: An explanation of how the theme relates to the overall narrative, including its impact on the characters, plot, and reader’s understanding of the novel’s message.
  - Conclusion: A summary of your analysis, reaffirming the importance of the theme to the novel and reflecting on its broader implications.
Annotating Drafts and Documenting Thought Process:
- As you develop your analysis, create multiple drafts and annotate them to show how your ideas have evolved. These annotations should include notes on why you made specific revisions, how your understanding of the theme deepened, and any new insights gained during the drafting process.
- The annotated drafts should provide a clear record of your independent work, showing how you refined your analysis through critical thinking and engagement with the text.
Final Submission:
- Submit your final thematic analysis (8-10 pages) along with the annotated drafts. Ensure that the final essay is well-organized, clearly written, and demonstrates a deep understanding of the novel and theme.
- The annotated drafts should be neatly organized and included as an appendix to your final essay, providing evidence of your thought process and independent work.

Evaluation Criteria:

– Depth and Originality of Analysis (35%): Demonstrating a deep and original interpretation of the theme, supported by thorough textual analysis and critical engagement with the novel.

– Clarity and Coherence of Writing (25%): Presenting a well-organized and clearly articulated analysis that effectively communicates your interpretation and argument.

– Evidence of Independent Thought Process (20%): Providing annotated drafts that document the evolution of your ideas and the development of your analysis, showing clear evidence of independent thinking.

– Relevance of Theme to Narrative (15%): Effectively explaining how the theme is relevant to the overall narrative, including its impact on the characters, plot, and reader’s understanding of the novel.

– Writing and Presentation Quality (5%): Producing a professionally written and well-presented essay and annotated drafts, with attention to clarity, formatting, and adherence to academic standards.

Support Resources:

– Writing Center: The university’s writing center offers support for students working on literary analysis essays. You can schedule one-on-one appointments to discuss your ideas, receive feedback on drafts, and improve your analytical writing skills.

– Office Hours: Schedule office hours with your instructor to discuss your chosen novel, theme, and approach to the analysis. You can also seek guidance on how to develop and refine your ideas.

– Library Resources: The university library provides access to literary criticism, reference materials, and databases that can help support your analysis. Librarians are available to assist you in finding relevant sources.

– Peer Collaboration: Participate in peer review sessions where you can share your initial ideas and receive feedback on how to develop and refine your thematic analysis.

Academic Integrity:
This assignment must reflect your original work, based on your unique interpretation of the novel and theme. No AI tools are allowed in the creation of the essay or the annotated drafts. Misuse of external resources to generate content or failure to document your independent work in the annotation process will be considered a violation of academic integrity.

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