Grade 10 English II Pre-AP World Literature

Final Project/Research Paper

The Kite Runner

Synopsis:
To close our reading of The Kite Runner, students will complete a research paper addressing the following topic:
Investigate the relationship between the Pashtun ethnic group and the Hazara ethnic groups in Afghanistan, both
now and in the past (remember, Amir was a Pashtun and Hassan was a Hazara in the book). Next, investigate two
separate ethnic/racial groups in the United States, both now and in the past (this might include, but is not limited to,
African Americans, Caucasians, Latinos, and Native Americans). Your task is to compare the relationship between
the Pashtuns and the Hazaras with the relationship between the two American groups. One group will be dominant,
while the other is subordinate in some way. One group likely enjoys more economic freedom or opportunities. One
probably makes more money than the other. One group likely enjoys privilege based on race, while another endures
racial prejudice. One group has historically controlled the government, big business and other seats of power, while
the other has not. This will be true in both Afghanistan and the U.S.
Another way to say this is that you will compare the Pashtuns to one American ethnic/racial group and compare the
Hazaras to a different American ethnic/racial group. You will compare the relationship between the two Afghani
groups to the relationship between the two American groups. One is dominant while the other is subordinate. You
will look at both current events and historical events in making your comparison.
You will use the MLA format in all aspects of your paper, and you will use the Purdue OWL website to make sure
the format is followed.
The Details:
-Your paper must follow the MLA format in ALL aspects, including but not limited to the placement of your name
and other vital information, page numbers, title, in-text citation, etc.
-You must include in-text citation (with an absolute minimum of five citations).
-You must use a minimum of three Internet sources.
-You must include an MLA formatted bibliography. PAPERS TURNED IN WITHOUT A BIBILIOGRPHY WILL
BE RETURNED TO THE AUTHOR AND COUNTED LATE.
-The final draft of your paper should be three-five pages in length, typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12
point font.
Due Dates:
-Three Internet sources and a written thesis should be turned in Monday, 04/18.
-A rough draft (either hand-written or typed) should be complete and brought to class on Wednesday, 04/20. Without
it, you will not be able to participate or complete the peer editing work template.
-Peer editing work templates should be turned in Wednesday 04/20.
-The final draft, following all the guidelines addressed above, should be turned in on Wednesday, 04/27. You will
receive class time to work on this Thursday 04/21 and Friday 04/22. No more in-class time will be given after that.