The goal of this paper is to place the work of literature within its historical context, understand its meaning within that context, and consider its importance to Western history. The paper should be divided into three sections:
1. Context: this section should offer historical background on the book. For example, when and why was it written? Who is the author, and what were his or her concerns, agenda, and goals? What was going on at the time that might help a reader understand it better?
2. Content: this section will give a brief overview of the content of the book. Its message and meaning should be summarized, with attention to the historical connections made in the previous section on context.
3. Importance: the conclusion of the paper will examine the significance of the work of literature to subsequent history. It should detail the outcomes that resulted from its composition, and consider its broader importance to Western history.
It is understood that many of the book options are quite lengthy, and that total absorption may be impracticable within the duration of the semester. Translation: you dont have to read it cover to cover. However, students must have a commanding knowledge of the books content and concepts in order to write a well-informed essay. Thus, while it is not required to read the work at length, it is important to be intimately familiar with its structure, style, and themes. This is to be demonstrated by (properly formatted) citations of the selected manuscript within the body of the essay itself.
The paper must be typed, double spaced, and use 12-point font. In order to receive full credit it must total at least 4 full pages of text, not including footnotes, the cover page and other introductory matter, or the works cited/bibliography page. The essay must follow an academically accepted APA referencing style, contain at that at least 4 cited sources (not including the work being examined), and have a title page that includes the course title, students name, professors name, report title, and due date. Citations of the selected work and the four or more other sources must be made in the body of the paper. They must be formatted properly, including the authors last name and the page number of the reference. The report must be turned in, in class, as a hard copy. E-mails will not be accepted.
This is a historical research paper, and as such the selected sources must meet the following criteria: (1) They must be academic works written by historians, literary analysts, or other scholars in a field relevant to the papers purpose. (2) At least three sources must be books or articles from peer-reviewed academic journals. (3) Internet sources must conform to the academic standards mentioned above. Online encyclopedias are not considered viable sources and points will be docked for their use. Excessive use of internet sources or use of any sources which do not conform to academic standards will result in a reduction of the papers grade.
Evaluation will be based on depth of research, adherence to the stated objectives, and the quality of critical analysis. Grammar, spelling, and formatting will also be considered. An A will indicate that the paper was properly formatted, the subject was thoroughly researched in a wide variety of sources, the information given was relevant to the goal of the paper, and the arguments presented were well thought-out, well structured, and contained a high level of critical analysis.
