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Essay Assignment 2

This assignment, which is worth 25% of your final grade, should be submitted for marking after you have completed Unit 10. The assignment requires you to write a 1,500 to 2,000-word (approximately 6 to 8 pages) formal essay on one of the following topics:

  1. Discuss the “coming of age” theme in two of the following works: “The Last Raven” by Richard Green, “A Mountain Tale” by Jordan Wheeler, and Toronto at Dreamer’s Rock by Drew Hayden Taylor.
  2. Discuss the relationship between Native and non-Native people as depicted in “Compatriots” by Emma Lee Warrior and “The Last Raven” by Richard Green.
  3. Discuss the depiction of Native women in The Rez Sisters by Tomson Highway and Monkey Beach by Eden Robinson.
  4. Discuss the portrayal of Christianity in “The Last Raven” by Richard Green and Monkey Beach by Eden Robinson.
  5. Examine the significance of the “journey” in either The Way to Rainy Mountain by N. Scott Momaday or Green Grass, Running Water by Thomas King.
  6. Discuss the development of Native identity in relation to the ancestral land in either The Way to Rainy Mountain by N. Scott Momaday or Green Grass, Running Water by Thomas King.
  7. Examine the social issues presented in two of the following titles: The Rez Sisters by Tomson Highway, Toronto at Dreamer’s Rock by Drew Hayden Taylor, and “Compatriots” by Emma Lee Warrior.
  8. Explore the significance of mythical characters as narrators in Green Grass, Running Water by Thomas King.
  9. Explore the relationship between mythical and contemporary characters in Monkey Beach by Eden Robinson and The Rez Sisters by Tomson Highway.
  10. Explore the relationship between humans and animals as depicted in The Way to Rainy Mountain by N. Scott Momaday.

In each case, you must develop a thesis or main idea and support your position using specific references to the texts under examination. Refer to the “Essay Writing,” “Grading Criteria for Essays,” and “Sample Essays” sections of the Student Manual for further assistance and directions on preparing and submitting your written assignment. Contact your tutor if you have any questions or concerns.