The final paper will be a well-written research paper of 7-10 full pages (double-spaced, Times New Roman 12, MLA format).
For this assignment, you are called to come up with your own original thesis that is based on one or more of the readings we have encountered during the semester. The paper should present an interesting and creative argument that demonstrates engagement with the readings and themes we have explored in this course. You are not limited to conversations about truth-telling but you must use at least one of the texts we’ve read in class. Aim for a sophisticated analysis that engages with the text(s) in a deep and meaningful way. You are generally encouraged to make connections among various texts by putting the different literary pieces in conversation with one another.
You are also required to use at least THREE (3) academic sources. These include scholarly articles published in academic journals as well as scholarly book publications. Please note that newspaper articles (including Op-Eds), blogs, textbooks, critical editions (such as book “companions”), websites like Sparknotes, Wikipedia, government websites, and loose information on the internet are NOT academic sources. A well-known and useful database for academic articles in English literature is JSTOR (accessible through the library’s website). Others include the MLA International Bibliography, and Project Muse. If you are unsure whether something constitutes an academic source, you can always check with me. Also, keep in mind that there are library resources designed to assist students with their research.
You may use primary texts that we have not encountered in class (such as other poems, short stories, or novels), but you have to indicate that in your proposal. You are also allowed to use ideas that you explored in an exam or a shorter paper.
In Class Text:
-Foucault on the confession (excerpts from The History of Sexuality Vol. 1 & Wrong-Doing, Truth Telling, and Fearless (Parrehesia)
-Ion Play by Euripides
-Antigone by Sophocles
-A Mercy by Toni Morrison
– Lolita
General Evaluation Criteria / Characteristics of an “A” Paper:
1. Does the paper present a clearly stated specific thesis that references a primary text and articulate the significance of the work?
2. Does the paper make use of well-chosen (scholarly) exterior research and specific passages from its primary text(s) in its argumentation?
3. Does the paper argue in a sophisticated manner, focusing primarily on analysis and explanation through the interpretative application of theory to text, rather than plot summary and/or restatement?
4. Does the paper’s organization contribute to its overall meaning? In other words, does the paper build to a specific point in its conclusion?
