Literature Final Research Project
| Style | MLA |
| Number of words | 1251 |
| Number of sources | 0 |
| Spacing | Double |
| PowerPoint slides | 0 |
Directions for completing the project:
After you have read one work of literature in which a character faces a dilemma, you will write an essay of at least 1,000 words in which you demonstrate critical thinking. Specifically, based on the information given in the literary piece, you will determine a position, explain key aspects of the issues, and further support your position with relevant, adequate evidence from both primary and secondary sources. The students’ essay responses will include examination of personal responsibility, encompassing choices, decisions, and actions, as well as the social consequences of those actions demonstrating an awareness of an individual’s responsibility to the larger, more diverse community.
1) The research paper should be a minimum of 1,000 words typed in MLA format. This does not include the Works Cited page.
2) The paper should follow the proposal of Prince Machiavelli.
3) A separate page for Works Cited should be included. The citations should be in MLA format for Research Papers. For help on this, you may visit the Writing Center in the Vaughn library, or you may refer to OWL MLA Formatting Guide (Links to an external site.). You will find that the link leads you to the entire MLA guide, and the navigation bar is to the left of the page. In this guide you will find tips for in-text citations, quoting material, as well as formatting and proper citation procedures for Works, Cited pages.
You must have at least three secondary sources (the work itself is a primary source). These should be from the Online Resources Database of the library. If you are using something from the internet, make sure it is a RELIABLE source. If you’re in doubt, it’s better to ask.
You may contact me regarding any questions you have about this project.
See the rubric below for grading.
Content: 60 percent
Correct grammar usage and punctuation: 15 percent
Correct in-text citations: 10 percent
Correct Works Cited page: 15 percent
Note: I am very strict about the Works Cited page. I give you no points for simply copying and pasting a URL, even if that is only one entry on the page. Please follow the guidelines of the OWL page I linked you to in this page.
Research Information
This semester you will write the research project which serves as your final exam and will be a minimum of 1,000 words long. The number of secondary resources for the final research project is three (3). You will submit a proposal that will be counted as a test grade. You will need to demonstrate knowledge of the various terms and discussion techniques we learn throughout the semester to complete your proposal.
Directions for completing the project:
After you have read one work of literature in which a character faces a dilemma, you will write an essay of at least 1,000 words in which you demonstrate critical thinking. Specifically, based on the information given in the literary piece, you will determine a position, explain key aspects of the issues, and further support your position with relevant, adequate evidence from both primary and secondary sources. The students’ essay responses will include examination of personal responsibility, encompassing choices, decisions, and actions, as well as the social consequences of those actions demonstrating an awareness of an individual’s responsibility to the larger, more diverse community.
CRITICAL ANALYSES
In literature classes, we write what scholars term literary or critical analyses. These are arguments for a particular interpretation that you make from the reading. In many of the short papers you write, you are arguing for a specific point that is personal and does not require utilizing any other resource material. You will be using the text itself as evidence and support for your claim.
Important Research Information
Using material from a source
For directions to electronic databases click on Library Resources on your left.
A 12 Step Process for A Painless Research Paper
It is suggested that you work through each of the following steps in order to complete a successful research paper.
Step 1: Prepare
List some of the major elements of fiction such as; plot, character, foreshadowing, setting, point of view, symbolism, style, and theme. Write a brief description of each element as it pertains to one or two of your favorite stories. During this process, you will probably hone in on one element in one story that seems to stand out to you. Brainstorm, jot down ideas and choose something interesting to you which has possibilities for a detailed analysis.
Step 2: Select
Choose one story; reread it carefully two or three times.
Make notes as you read.
Look for a focus.
Step 3: Analyze
Write a sentence expressing your interpretation of the theme of the selection. You cannot proceed until you have an understanding of what the author is trying to tell us about human nature.
Step 4: Focus
Write a tentative thesis statement. This should include the title of the story and the author’s name. It should also include the focus of the analysis which will probably bear some weight on the theme of the selection.
Here is an example of a good thesis from a short story:
In “The Lottery” Shirley Jackson uses simple objects—a box, some stones, some slips of paper—to symbolize the narrow-mindedness and brutality that result from superstitious thinking.
The element to be examined is the symbolism of objects. The theme is the danger of superstitious thinking.
Step 5: Research.
Begin the hunt for three required secondary sources. Secondary sources are written about the primary source (the short story). You may go to the library and search the indexes by story title. TJC’s library staff has compiled a shortcut collection of references which are in a binder on the second floor. Ask a librarian to direct you.
Another source is the collection of online databases provided by the TJC library on the TJC website for all TJC students.
The best sources are literary journals. No internet sources will be accepted. No Wikipedia, Schmoo University, or Sparknotes.
When you have found secondary sources, read and study them carefully and select at least five usable ones.
Step 6: Make source citations
Prepare a citation for each of the sources you plan to use. Consult the textbook or website for proper MLA form. Write each citation as it will appear on your Works Cited page. You should have a total of four sources, three secondary sources, and one primary source. Arrange them in alphabetical order for your Works Cited page.
Step 7: Read
Read through your secondary sources and mark important passages. Consider jotting notes in the margins and using symbols to draw your attention to certain ideas. Highlight only the portions of each source which you are interested in quoting or paraphrasing in your paper.
Step 8: Plan and organize
If your tentative thesis still applies, write a rough sentence outline combining your own thoughts with those from outside sources. If needed, revise the original thesis statement before writing.
Step 9: Works Cited
Prepare your Works Cited page. The title Works Cited should be centered on the top line. List the sources in alphabetical order. Remember to use a hanging indent. Consult MLA link for detailed instructions.
Step 10: Start writing
Begin writing the first draft of the paper.
Try writing the introduction first. It should begin with an interesting lead-in and move smoothly to your thesis statement. It may end with an essay map or forecasting statement briefly naming the main points to be covered in the body of your paper. Each paragraph should have a topic sentence (follow your tentative plan), and each paragraph should follow through on the idea in the topic sentence. When you include any borrowed information, use the MLA in-text citation system. The conclusion should be strong and should refer to both the lead in and the thesis in the introduction.
When you have finished the rough drafting phase of the paper, remember to let it rest for a while, at least 24 hours. Review the concept of plagiarism before you begin any revision.
Step 11: Revise
Check for coherence (smooth flow of ideas in an understandable sequence).
Check for unity (the single focus of all material within each paragraph). Cut any unnecessary or irrelevant information.
Make sure each quote blends into the flow of ideas.
Eliminate all material that does not support the thesis statement.
Use the Using Materials page above as a checklist for the MLA form.
Check for grammatical and mechanical rules.
Tip: Read the final draft aloud and listen for a smooth flow.
Tip: Read the final draft backward (last sentence first) to check for sentence errors.
PROOFREAD! PROOFREAD! PROOFREAD!
Step 12: Presentation
Submit your final paper as one document in the following order:
Final draft
Works Cited page
FAILURE TO INCLUDE BOTHIN-TEXT CITATIONS AND A WORKS CITED PAGE WILL RESULT IN AN AUTOMATIC 50% FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT.
PLEASE PROOFREAD THIS ASSIGNMENT CAREFULLY. FAILING THIS ESSAY WILL RESULT IN A FAILING GRADE FOR THE CLASS. PLEASE, PLEASE TAKE YOUR TIME WITH THIS ASSIGNMENT. READ GUIDELINES, FOLLOW THEM, AND REACH OUT FOR HELP. YOUR GRADE DEPENDS ON YOUR ATTENTION TO DETAIL.
https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393602876
The Norton Anthology of World Literature Vol 1 Shorter 4th edition
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