English and World Literature Term Paper Assignment

Common Core - Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence. a. Introduce precise, knowledgeable claim(s), establish the significance of the claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and create an organization that logically sequences claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence. b. Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly and thoroughly, supplying the most relevant evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audiences knowledge level, concerns, values, and possible biases. c. Use words, phrases, and clauses as well as varied syntax to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims. d. Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing. e. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented. -Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. -Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience. -Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation. -Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and overreliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation. -Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. -Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences. Purpose of the Paper The English and World Literature term paper will provide a critical analysis of a major work by a British or world author. It will require research as a supportive component, but it will require a greater degree of original analysis than did the junior-level paper, which means you will need to read your literary choice. After wading through the vast and often sticky morass of information related to your research topic, you will find a focus for your research paper. While your thesis may shift and morph into something different, you will formulate a basic hypothesis of what you want to prove with your research of both primary and secondary sources. The next steps in the process are crucial to the development of a cohesive and well-reasoned draft of your research paper. Please meet the following deadlines: General Requirements, Due Dates, and Point Values Topic Selection Submit via email 9/3

Thesis Book finished Bibliography

50-100 words

9/20 9/24

Minimum 5 sources

9/27 10/15 10/31 11/27

Note Taking Conferences Draft Final Paper Abstract 200-300 words Paper with Works Cited Page

TBD

Please note: to the best of our knowledge, these will be the weeks assignments are due. Exact due dates may fluctuate. Specific Requirements Topic Selection: 1. Research and create a ranked list of three possible term paper novel choices. 2. All novel choices must be non-American; as well, all novels studied in Batavia School District English classes are not viable options. 3. I will start at the top of your preferred list and work down, according to novel selections by other students. Novel selections are granted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Thesis: 1. Thesis should be typed, double spaced, in Times New Roman, 12 point font, MLA format. 2. Thesis should use action verbs in active voice and employ word economy. 3. Avoid lists of adjectives or adverbs; make it crisp and concise. 4. Thesis should include the following components: a. Name of Author and Title of Work (italicized). b. Question to be answered or problem to be solved. c. The answer or solution that your paper will argue. d. Major area of analysis with 2-3 specific sub points. 5. Thesis statement needs to be specific to literary work. 6. Submit thesis statement to turnitin.com 7. See example at end of packet.

Working Bibliography: 1. Do a minimum of 5 sources. 2. Type in MLA format sources will be numbered and properly indented (see example at end of packet) 3. Do NOT use any of the following taboo sources: a. General Encyclopedias b. Cliffs Notes, Spark Notes, or any similar publications c. Authorless/general websites d. Novels for Students (critical essays at end of general information are fine) 4. For this paper, essays count as separate sources. So, a book of 10 essays counts as 10 sources. Use anthology form. Essays edited by Harold Bloom are highly recommended. 5. See rubric, example, and MLA style sheet at end of packet. For 3 sources in your working bibliography, describe the following: 1. The genre, main idea, and purpose of the resource.

2. 3. 4. 5.

Summarize the basic arguments and/or thesis of the resource. Assess the usefulness of a selected resource for its utility in adding evidence to a research question. See rubric and an example at end of packet. Submit to turnitin.com

Note Taking Conference: 1. Demonstrate a variety of note taking strategies. 2. Read critically for information related to a thesis or research question. 3. Independently organize information as it relates to your thesis. Consider subtopics that relate to thesis statement. Clearly show how sources fit into subtopics. 4. Provide a clear and defendable thesis statement that does not use a question format or 1 st/2nd person. 5. Must include primary source, which is annotated. Also bring reading journal. 6. See handouts and rubric at the end of the packet. Draft of the Paper: 1. Draft should be typed, double spaced, in Times New Roman, 12 point font, MLA format including header and heading. 2. The draft must include a Works Cited. Works Cited. 3. Submit to turnitin.com. 4. See MLA format examples and rubric at end of packet. 5. For revision purposes, all changes must be highlighted within the paper. 6. **** Any draft that earns an A will count as the final paper.

Final Paper: 1. The paper should be typed, double spaced, in Times New Roman, 12 point font, MLA format including header and heading. 2. All revisions must be highlighted within the paper. This can be done through Microsoft Word or on a printed copy. 3. The rough draft and rubric must be included with the final paper. 4. See rubric and handout for example at end of packet. Abstract: 1. The abstract should be typed, double spaced, in Times New Roman, 12 point font, MLA format. 2. The abstract should include the following components: a. Authors name and title of book. b. The point you argued in your paper. c. 2-3 key specific points of analysis that best prove your overall argument. d. A reflection that states the most important insight you gained by doing this paper. 3. The abstract will be presented to the class. 4. See example at end of packet. 5. Submit to turnitin.com