World Literature Research Paper (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

World Literature Research Project

Overview of the Assignment

In this assignment, you will select literary topics from the English 2332 syllabus, perform close reading and literary analysis, conduct

investigative research, synthesize research to support an original thesis or argument, and produce an annotated bibliography,

research paper, and short PowerPoint presentation.

This project is composed of multiple tasks and multiple grades, including a research proposal (double quiz grade), an annotated

bibliography (project grade), a research paper (project grade), and presentation (double quiz grade). See below for due dates.

The Research Proposal

Due: 9.8.11 (2a & 4a) & 9.9.11 (3b)

After you have selected and read a piece of literature from the course syllabus, begin doing some research on it. What literary

aspects of it are other scholars interested in? What aspects are you interested in? You need to find at least two sources to

complete your research proposal.

Write a brief statement of about 100-200 words (one or two paragraphs) in which you indicate the idea or subject you wish to

explore, explain how you plan to proceed, and state your tentative thesis (the main point you wish to prove). If you are not yet able

to state a thesis, frame the question or questions you hope to answer after further research (the answer will become your thesis).

Include with your proposal a bibliography of at least 2 items related to the topic or useful for your paper (including items on

relevant related subjects).

The Annotated Bibliography

Due: 11.4.11 (due by 3:30 pm for both a & b classes)

After your proposal has been accepted and approved, you are to conduct research and format it in an annotated bibliography. Keep

your annotations short! For each source, write 1-2 sentences about the following:



Summarize the source



Discuss the usefulness of the source



Explain how the source fits globally within your research

When choosing your source materials, remember that books from university and trade presses, journal articles (printed or online),

and other scholarly materials (especially recent ones) are helpful to include. Materials that are not acceptable include textbooks,

since with few exceptions they are not based on original research, and most websites, which have not been evaluated by reputable

scholars before publication. At least 6 of your 10 items must be journal articles or articles in edited collections.

Research Paper

Due: 12.13.11 (2a & 4a) & 12.14.11 (3b)

In your research paper, you will present the results of your investigation into your literary topic of interest. Your thesis, which

guided your research, should be supported by well-chosen citations from your various resources incorporated into a paper that is

between 5 and 7 pages long and written using standard MLA formatting. Be sure to include a works cited page with your paper.

Presentation

Due: 12.13.11 (2a & 4a) & 12.14.11 (3b)

In order to share your findings with your classmates, you will give a brief presentation in class on the due date. Your presentation

must include your original research question, thesis statement, the major points of your argument, and a sampling of your research.

Please limit the number of slides to 10 excluding a title slide. All presentations must be between 3 and 5 minutes long.

World Literature Research Paper Page 2