University of Central Florida Signs Preceding the End of the World Discussion

Reading: Signs Preceding the End of the World, chapters 1-3

Purpose: To evaluate Yuri Herrera’s literary style against the political backdrop of world literature and border writing

Skills/knowledge practiced: Textual analysis; close reading; writing with citations; use of textual evidence; developing argument; analysis of narrative techniques; genre analysis; following proper MLA formatting guidelines; paraphrasing quotes

Submission instructions: Please submit your 250-350 word response as a Word doc

Grades will be based on the completeness of your submission (including textual quotes + sufficient word count length) as well as proper grammar/spelling and the depth of your critical analysis. Four points total:

• • 1 pt. for proper citation use;
  • 1 pt. for sufficient length;
  • 1 pt. for sufficient depth of content/engagement;
  • 1 pt. for proper assignment formatting.

Assignments should be formatted as follows: 12 pt. font, 1-inch margins, double-spaced with header, page numbers, Times New Roman font, Word Count listed, Works Cited page on separate page, submitted as Microsoft Word or PDF. This may seem like a lot but it is the golden standard for document preparation, and if properly followed will make your writing immediately more consistent and easier to read. See the following for an example: MLA Citation Template and Example.pdf

Option 1: Choose a short passage from the novel and describe how Herrera represents either a form of globality or else border conflict . Describe how Herrera’s literary language adds meaning or significance to his representation of either of these forms.

Option 2: Locate a passage in the novel to emulate and write a passage in its style that narrates a scene in your own life. Then, write a short paragraph describing what you see to be Herrera’s literary style in terms of the qualities of its language, grammar, and syntax.