- 01 Apr, 2021
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A literary research paper
A literary research paper focuses on critically analyzing and interpreting a literary work along with incorporating research from reliable secondary sources. Your assignment is to write a three-page literary essay that focuses a common theme among multiple works using both primary sources and secondary sources.
NOTE: Primary sources will be the readings covered in the course. You may use short stories, poems or plays covered in the course.
Secondary sources must be from MAGNOLIA Ebsco or the Literary Reference Center.
NO INTERNET ARTICLES will be accepted as a secondary source.
Assignments: Choose three works covered in the course that have a common theme. Compare and contrast how these themes are used and conveyed in each work. Using the Library Resource Center, find 1-2 secondary sources to supplement your analysis.
Process:
Choose a theme from the list of themes discussed in the course. Themes are listed below:
Themes:
Death
Parent/child relationships
Love or loss of love
Role of men in literature
Role of women in literature
Tradition and rituals
Cultural identity/ heritage
Settings in the South
Violence/humanity
Marital roles/relationships
2. Brainstorm a list of works studied in the course with your chosen theme. Decide which work (s) you want to use for your paper.
Research the theme itself, the author(s), and the works chosen. Use the MAGNOLIA or the Literary Reference Center.
(You must use at least one-two secondary sources from the academic databases. (AGAIN, NO INTERNET ARTICLES)
4.Formulate a thesis. Be sure your thesis is insightful and names your theme and the primary works from the course.
Complete the Thematic Outline organizer for your paper.
Using the outline format below, write your first draft. Your first draft should include all elements in the Thematic Outline organizer and must meet the requirements also listed below:
Use the following guidelines/format to complete the outline for your 3- page essay.
I. Introduction
A. Introduce and define the theme and how it connects to literature in general.
B. Include a well-crafted thesis statement that names the theme and the three works to be analyzed in your essay.
The thesis should be the last sentence of the first paragraph.
II. Body Paragraphs-
A. Topic sentence: Name the theme in the first primary source (poem, short story or play). Include the title and the author of the work in the
topic sentence.
B. Explain how the theme is used and provide direct quotes as textual support.
C. Include a discussion on your secondary source along with a quote from that source.
(At least two secondary source quotes must be used in the essay.)
III. Conclusion- Revisit the theme and main ideas overall along with the works used. Do not re-write the introduction or the thesis.
Requirements:
1. MLA format: header, heading, double-spaced, 12- font Times New Roman, Works Cited page and parenthetical in-text citations.
2. Four sources minimum: three primary sources (works studied in the course) and one secondary source from an academic journal
3. Length- Three pages
4 Paper should include paraphrased supporting details and direct quotations.
5. Paper should use appropriate transitions to create flow.
5. Proofread for correct grammar, spelling, conventions, mechanics and appropriate use of transitions.