4311 Research Paper Prompt
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The research paper will be a ten-to-twelve page essay concerning a topic from the semester's readings. (For graduate students, this should be 15 to 20 pages.) Your analysis should put forth an original thesis of your own. The paper should be primarily concerned with an interpretation of a primary text or texts. This implies that you will do a close study of a literary work, examining its language, rhetoric, plot, characters, tone, etc. Such close study calls for a considered, moderate amount of quotation, as well as direct discussion of the writer's story, poem, or non-fictional prose. Your argument should not replicate class discussion or my lecture notes. |
| You should be
critically aware of the theory that you are using in your critique and what's its benefits
are for your interpretation. You might try reviewing your understanding of a theory before you try to employ it. The essay will require secondary research. You should seek to become familiarized with the scholarly discussion about your topic. You may find and look at many additional sources in the process of research. Be prepared to take advantage of the Texshare system, as well as scholarly on-line resources. All documentation must conform to MLA guidelines. I expect you to do scholarly and academically credible work. At the junior level and above, it is assumed that you know how to do this. If you have any questions about this, talk to me. Let me remind everyone that with this kind of assignment failure to put forth and sustain an arguable thesis or failure to support your position from the author can result in a failing grade. You should have your topic idea pre-approved by your instructor before you begin serious research. Any student found guilty of plagiarism and/or collusion in regards to the research paper (or any other major assignment) for this course will be subject to one or more of the following: a failing grade for the assignment, no credit for the assignment, and/or a failing grade for the course itself. [Click here for more information on plagiarism and collusion.] You should also include a copy of the final draft on a computer disk along with the print version when submitted to me. |
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| Suggestions for developing a Christian critique and interpretation of literature: | |
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| Click here to see what you will be evaluated on: | |