research paper

Detailed Instructions and Topics for the Research Paper

The research paper is similar in form to the previous analysis or persuasive essays. However, it is slightly longer and must incorporate material from secondary sources (sources other than the books or films about which you are writing). The paper is to be ​1250 words double spaced (12 pt. Times New Roman or Times font) with 1inch margins on the top and bottom and 1inch margins on the left and right sides (all sides). ​The page count includes the page with the List of Works Cited​. A list of topics is provided below.

·​ ​The paper must include a minimum 4 sources including the primary text(s)—the book(s) or film(s) about which you are writing.

·​ ​At least 3 of the external (secondary) sources must be “scholarly”.

·​ ​The paper needs to include a page with an MLA List of Works Cited at the end.

·​ ​Students are encouraged to meet with the instructor at least once to discuss their topic and their plan of action/research.

·​ ​The paper must include at least 8 citations from your primary and secondary sources.

·​ ​It is required to use Criterion as a tool to minimize grammar and mechanical errors.

·​ ​Students are expected to turn in a ​Draft Bibliography​ for their paper by ​March 12,2021.

·​ ​Students are expected to turn in an ​Outline​ or “map” for their essays by ​March 15, 2021.

The outline is an organizational tool.

·​ ​The ​final draft​ of the Research Paper is ​due Monday, May 24, 2021.

Some appropriate external (secondary) sources

·​ ​scholarly articles

·​ ​scholarly books

·​ ​specialized encyclopedias and other reference works

·​ ​movie reviews or commentary by professional critics or scholars

·​ ​interviews with authors/directors

·​ ​technical information from some specialized websites (such as the Internet Movie Database IMDB)

·​ ​most material obtained through University Library databases or Google Scholar

Inappropriate sources

·​ ​Wikipedia

·​ ​much of the material found using Google

·​ ​blogs (unless the authors are experts or scholars in the field)

·​ ​user reviews on film and TV websites (regular people’s opinions about movies and books)

·​ ​material posted by users on social networking sites

·​ ​much of the material found on non-academic websites

·​ ​your own personal experience (or some other person’s experience)

MAKE SURE THAT YOUR PAPER HAS THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS:

A ​TITLE ​that

·​ ​attracts the readers’ attention

·​ ​is related in some way to the theme of the paper

·​ ​is not simply the title of the story /film or the prompt

An ​INTRODUCTION ​that

·​ ​uses a “hook” to catch readers’ attention

·​ ​leads readers to the topic of the paper

·​ ​mentions the name(s) of the primary texts (books or films) and the name(s) of the author(s) or directors

·​ ​presents a clear thesis statement. (Expresses the point you are trying to prove.)

·​ ​may present a plan for the development of the paper

·​ ​may include quotations from sources other than the book(s) or film(s) about which you are writing

Remember that a good thesis statement

·​ ​should be arguable (needs to be defended)

·​ ​should be clear (not confusing)

·​ ​should be concise (not excessively wordy)

·​ ​should be committed (takes a stand; avoids “maybe” or “perhaps”)

·​ ​should be focused (not vague or too general)

·​ ​ ​should be expressed in impersonal language (Avoid “I” and openly saying “my opinion”.)

·​ ​ should not explain (elaborate on) all the reasons in support of your position

·​ ​A ​BODY ​that

·​ ​presents and develops at least three manifestations of the topic in a coherent way. (These can be three ways in which the topic is illustrated in the book(s) or film(s)) OR

·​ ​presents at least three arguments (reasons) in defense of your position on the topic

·​ ​presents arguments and assertions that are supported with specific examples, details, and quotes (from written sources)

·​ ​supports your arguments by incorporating material from sources other than the book(s) or film(s) about which you are writing (These sources may be reference works such as specialized encyclopedias; critical articles and books; film reviews by professional critics; interviews with authors/directors....)

·​ ​includes proper in-text citations of the sources using the MLA system (author’s last name and page number of source material in parentheses after the quote or other borrowed information).

When incorporating direct quotations and other forms of borrowed information into your paper, make sure that

·​ ​the beginning and end of any direct quotations is clearly marked and visible to your readers.

·​ ​the boundary between paraphrased material from another source and your own insights or observations is clear to your readers.

·​ ​direct quotations are relevant, to the point, and not excessively long (no block quotes).

·​ ​ellipsis is used properly to edit quotes where necessary

·​ ​direct quotes are introduced by some kind of signal phrase and followed by some sort of commentary or analysis.

·​ ​There is a balance between borrowed material (direct quotations, indirect quotations, paraphrase) and your own critical insights and observations. (The paper should not be a compilation of other people’s information and opinions.)

·​ ​The source of each quotation or piece of borrowed information is properly cited.

A ​CONCLUSION ​that

·​ ​summarizes, but does not repeat, the main idea(s) of your paper

·​ ​offers your own insights and observations in impersonal language

·​ ​does not introduce new information that needs further development

A ​LIST OF WORKS CITED ​that

·​ ​begins on a new page at the end of the paper

·​ ​has the title Works Cited centered on the top of the page (without underlining or italics)

·​ ​has the sources arranged alphabetically by the authors’ last names according to MLA format

ALSO MAKE SURE THAT…

·​ ​each of the paragraphs in the paper is built around one main idea.

·​ ​all the sentences in the paragraph contribute to that main idea.

·​ ​each paragraph in the body is clearly tied to the topic of the paper and to the thesis statement.

·​ ​the relationship between the paragraphs and the thesis statement is clear to your readers

·​ ​you are not just making a summary of the plot of the movies or stories.

·​ ​your assertions are supported (with specific examples or quotations from the stories or films or with information or quotations from the secondary sources)

TOPIC Religion: How religion and the lack of it has the power to influence human behavior both positively and negatively in society.

In ​The Virgin Spring, ​we see the power of Religion as the primary influence in the lives of those living in medieval Scandinavia. Religious traditions, customs, and beliefs are ingrained to produce the moral fabric the characters live by. How is religion used to convey both the positive and negative results of human behavior? How is Meursault’s lack of religious beliefs inherent in his decision making in ​The Stranger​? When and where is religion or the lack of it used as a coping mechanism for the human condition? Formulate a thesis on this topic and explore and develop at least three ways in which the topic is illustrated in the movie and book. Make sure to incorporate the observations of at least three scholars or film critics.