In a research paper of approximately 1000-1500 words (5 pages/12 point font/double spaced) write an argument advancing an interpretation (claim) of one of the works covered over the semester. Select any of the prompts from the last two papers (see prompts for poetry and short story paper – and yes, you can use the same prompt which you already worked on for a prior essay and expand on your previous argument) as a basis in constructing your interpretation or develop a thesis of your own. Your essay must utilize specific textual examples as well as references from at least three peer reviewed secondary sources (peer reviewed sources include books and scholarly journal articles obtained through the PBSC online database, not websites and Wikipedia) in supporting your thesis. Secondary sources must be in the form of Literary Criticism of the text you are working on. Be sure your analysis is structured effectively in adherence to the guidelines of scholarly writing as covered in the textbooks and discussed in class (formal diction, effective academic argument structure, well integrated support that makes use of appropriate signal phrases to introduce context to your quotes, grammatical correctness, proper and appropriate language usage, etc.). Your essay must be properly cited in MLA format (See Little Seagulls Handbook, page 172, # 11 for how to cite articles from a scholarly database) and must include a works cited as the last page of your paper (This should include the text you selected to interpret as well as the sources you used from the scholarly databases, each properly formatted according to the MLA guidelines for the medium-again, see appropriate pages from the Little Seagulls Handbook or Literature and the Writing Process). On pages 68-97 in your Literature and the Writing process texts you will find a complete guide to academic research writing, including how to incorporate the ideas of other scholars into your essay in order to establish background context, support your own claims, etc. Remember: developing a research project can be slow, sloppy, work, and as you begin your research and see what other scholars and literary critics have to say about your topic you might find your argument will shift and change.
