Comparative Textual Analysis of Disciplines

Humanities
Comparative Textual Analysis of Disciplines

Objectives:
o Differentiate the language, style, and format in sample writings for different disciplines
o Discuss the writing strategies for each discipline
o Review and practice MLA style and documentation

Introduction:
The comparative analysis is part classification, as its purpose is to identify the defining elements
of each discipline. Being able to identify the specific focus, audience, language, style, structure,
and purpose of various texts allows one to better understand the use of conventions, and how to
use these conventions to reach specific discourse communities. Reading articles from the
humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences will increase literacy in these specific areas and
help one acquire the needed language skills to approach each discipline. It will increase
knowledge of discipline- specific language and reinforce effective reading strategies to process,
comprehend, and critically analyze a wide range of texts.

Assignment:
This assignment will include three articles, each from a different discipline. You will read all
three articles and determine which article belongs to the humanities, social sciences, or natural
sciences. You will then produce a two-page essay wherein you discuss and compare the
language, style, and format of each article.
Consider the following questions: Minus journal titles, what indicates each article’s
discipline? How is the overall paper organized? What writing strategies are being used?

Requirements:
o Two full pages, double-spaced
o Times New Roman, 12-point font
o MLA style and documentation—including a works cited page for the three provided
articles (see articles provided under the assignment link, please)