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English 1302 Page 1 of 5

Dr. Veronica Pantoja [email protected] (361) 698-2329 Office: CB 141

Office Hours: MW, 2-3; TTh, 3-4 PM; Friday and other times by appt.

Paper 2: Frankenstein: A World of Gods and Monsters 100 pts. This major paper must be completed in order to pass the class.

Assignment/Purpose: For this major paper assignment, you will be exploring issues and topics related to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Through an analysis of selected literary elements of the novel, the paper will apply a theme or idea from the novel to a current problem in society or in your career field. In other words, how does Frankenstein help society think clearly through some issues that it faces today? What issues in the novel are still being debated about? What lessons can be applied from the novel to address problems in society (or in your career field)? Can the novel be seen as a warning? Although the novel encompasses many issues, the paper should probably mainly focus on one instead of several. This paper will incorporate your own perspective, textual support from the novel in MLA format, class discussions, and 2-4 sources from the DMC Library, including the online databases of sources and/or physical books from the stacks. Only ONE source from the Web (using Google, in other words) is allowed for this paper (but it cannot be a literature help site). Ultimately, you will develop an argument or claim about the novel and how it relates to a current societal issue or problem and support your argument or claim using the novel and additional outside sources (2-4 DMC library sources and only 1 credible source allowed from the Web). As you read the novel for class, keep track of what’s happening to characters; think about the implications of their actions and the situations they find themselves in. Pay attention to repeating images or words and phrases. Remember than the author has made some deliberate choices in the novel; think about why she has made these choices. What can you infer from the choices made for a character or for how a theme is played out? Try to then identify patterns in those ideas to help you develop a claim (thesis statement) about the character or theme. You can then supplement your ideas with sources from the library and use sections from the novel as evidence in the body of the paper. Developing a strong thesis statement is important, and we’ll go over thesis statements in class. Genre: This paper will take the form of an argumentative literary analysis essay. Additionally, the paper should follow conventions of college-level writing and should adhere to the course learning objectives. Audience: Consider your reader to be a general reader, perhaps faculty and staff at Del Mar College. Assume that the reader of your paper has read the novel too, so you don’t need to summarize the entire story too much. The essay should include: 1) Multiple paragraphs of three to five pages of text in correct MLA style following the

paper formatting guidelines for the class as well. The paper will include a works cited page (see below), but it’s not included in the page count of three to five pages.

2) An interesting title. The title should help your readers find meaning in your writing. If the title is “Paper 2” or “Frankenstein” readers may have a difficult time getting a sense of the paper.

3) An effective attention-getter. The introduction serves also to entice your readers into your paper. Use different strategies to get their attention. The paper could begin with a short description of a scene from the novel, with an anecdote, or even with a quotation from the novel or another source.

4) A thesis statement or controlling idea. Your paper should support a main argument about the novel with textual examples from the novel and from your collected sources. This main argument is the basis of your analysis. Remember that the thesis statement or controlling idea should be an arguable and specific claim.

English 1302 Page 2 of 5

Dr. Veronica Pantoja [email protected] (361) 698-2329 Office: CB 141

Office Hours: MW, 2-3; TTh, 3-4 PM; Friday and other times by appt.

For instance, arguing that the novel offers lessons to readers is simply too broad. Instead, the paper might argue that the novel demonstrates what is necessary in proper and effective scientific inquiry or that the novel argues that mothers are not necessary in rearing a child. Try to ask yourself how the novel provides a lesson about a particular issue or problem in society today.

5) Quotes, references, and specific examples from the novel. Since your paper is an analysis of the novel, it should include direct quotes, summaries, and/or paraphrases from it. All should be referenced correctly in MLA style (8th edition). References to secondary sources (2-4). The sources from this paper should come from the Del Mar College library databases of sources or library stacks; only one online source is allowed for this paper. Wikipedia is not allowed, nor is Sparknotes, Shmoop, eNotes, or CliffsNotes, nor other literature help sites. Copies of all sources must be submitted in a Source Packet. See below for more about the Source Packet assignment.

6) Clear organization. The main points of your paper should connect with each other in a way that supports the thesis statement. Remember that transitional words, phrases, and/or paragraphs should be used to show a clear progression of thought. Also consider the sequence of main ideas in the paper; often ending the paper with its strongest idea helps to build the argument smoothly. Simply listing ideas in the order you thought of them or listing source summaries isn’t always the most successful organizational plan.

7) An effective conclusion. The paper should end by wrapping up ideas without necessarily summarizing the essay’s ideas. Consider the significance of the paper’s main idea. When readers ask, “so what?” in reference to the paper’s main idea, how would you respond? Try to avoid beginning the last paragraph of the paper with “in conclusion,” as it’s a bit cliché for college-level writing.

8) A works cited page in correct MLA format. The works cited page will include the MLA citations for the outside sources and the novel. All sources listed in the works cited page must be cited within the body of the paper using correct MLA formatting for in-text citations. If a source is cited in the body of the essay, it must be included in the works cited page. Remember that all sources listed on the works cited page should be in alphabetical order. Refer to your handbook and/or class handouts for help with MLA.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid 1) The assignment is not asking for you to summarize the novel only—assume an audience who has read the novel as well. They will want to learn something new from you about the novel and how it addresses current issues in society. You may have to summarize certain scenes or actions from the novel, but the paper should not be a chapter-by-chapter summary of the entire novel. 2) You will be incorporating quotes, summaries, and paraphrases of ideas from the novel and from your sources, but only do so with a follow-up discussion and analysis—each source you refer to in your paper must be supported by your own commentary that demonstrates why and how the source illustrates your point. This is why it’s useful to complete your source packet before your begin composing (or as you’re composing) the rough draft. Waiting until after the draft is completed to begin the source packet will not be as helpful. 3) AVOID DROPPED QUOTES! Always introduce and integrate quotes—they should be connected to your prose, not floating in your paper.

English 1302 Page 3 of 5

Dr. Veronica Pantoja [email protected] (361) 698-2329 Office: CB 141

Office Hours: MW, 2-3; TTh, 3-4 PM; Friday and other times by appt.

4) Introductions work best when they do not stray too far from the intended focus of your paper— resist “dawn of man” introductions that begin too broadly (like ‘in the history of monsters, . . .’). 5) Consider and integrate the significance of the paper’s topic. What is the problem or issue the paper is exploring through the novel? How is that problem or issue significant to society or to your future career field? For example, if you’re in the field of social work, the paper could perhaps explore the issue of parenting using examples and questions that the novel brings up. What’s the role of a father? Of a mother? Of a family? Think about how Victor was raised or consider the De Lacey family. Or, if you’re a nursing student, what issues arise from Victor’s reanimation of dead tissue? Is this something that the medical field should be investigating? Are the rewards worth the potential problems? If you’re considering a career in criminal justice, who would be put on trial for the crimes committed in the novel? Why? Also consider other some other topic possibilities:

 abandoned/abused/ neglected children;

 learning and education;

 the role of education and the problems acquiring education;

 advancing technology and its dangers;

 the role of women;

 what defines humanity;

 religion;

 relationships between creator and creature;

 issues of morality and ethics;

 legal issues and judicial systems;

 knowledge/forbidden knowledge

 the role of society.

Due Dates: Any changes will be announced in class and posted on our Canvas site. Monday, March 27: 1. Due in class: Bring to class a hard copy of your word-processed working draft of Paper 2. Continue

working on your source packets.

2. Due by 11:59 PM: Please submit your Paper 2 Rough Draft to Canvas in two places: a. In the Paper 2 Peer Review Discussion (as an attachment to a message) to participate in

Peer Review. b. As an assignment to Dr. Pantoja (40 pts.) (submitted in Canvas under “Assignments”)

Be sure that the draft is edited, is free of writing pet peeves, is formatted according to class guidelines, and that it includes at least 3 full pages of text with in-text citations, a works cited page, and the Writer’s Memo. The draft should be saved as YourLastNamePaper2RD. If the draft is not 3 full pages of text, it cannot be placed in a group for peer review. Peer review will begin as soon as groups are posted. Please complete peer review by 11:59 PM, Wednesday, March 29. Note too that rough draft submissions submitted into Canvas will also be evaluated by TurnItIn, a plagiarism checker. This software application will evaluate each draft and produce an originality report. When submitting, you must pledge that your work is your own original work. Rough drafts will be graded and responded to in the order of submission; please check Canvas for feedback from your instructor. Wednesday, March 29 1. Due in class: Paper 2 Rough Draft—Revised. Bring a revised rough draft to class. We might be

able to have access to the laptop cart again as well. 2. Due by 11:59 PM: Paper 2 Peer Review. Please follow all instructions in the Paper 2 Peer Review

Discussion in Canvas.

English 1302 Page 4 of 5

Dr. Veronica Pantoja [email protected] (361) 698-2329 Office: CB 141

Office Hours: MW, 2-3; TTh, 3-4 PM; Friday and other times by appt.

Monday, April 3: 1. Due IN Class: Paper 2 Source Packet (40 pts.). It must be submitted in hard copy in class. See

the instructions for the Paper 2 Source Packet below. 2. Due by 11:59 PM: Paper 2 Final Draft (100 pts.). The final draft should be 3-5 full pages, it

must include in-text citations, and an attached works cited page. It should be formatted correctly, with all rough draft comments and memos removed from the final draft. It should also be edited and corrected, with all writing pet peeves removed. Please save as “YourLastNamePaper2Final.”

Please note that a sample Paper 2 will be posted in Canvas in the modules.

Have a monstrously good time writing about Frankenstein and his Monster!

http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2014/057/c/9/boris_karloff_as_frankenstein_s_monster_by_zacharyfeore-d7829ea.jpg

English 1302 Page 5 of 5

Dr. Veronica Pantoja [email protected] (361) 698-2329 Office: CB 141

Office Hours: MW, 2-3; TTh, 3-4 PM; Friday and other times by appt.

Paper 2 Source Packet (40 pts.) The source packet seems like busy work, and it can be if it’s done AFTER the rough draft is completed. The source packet should be completed BEFORE the paper is drafted, as it requires students to read through their sources to make sure they understand what they’re citing in their paper. Completing the source packet first so that sources can be properly evaluated can give students a workable outline for their rough drafts. Visit this site for more help about evaluating sources: http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/evaluating-print-sources/. Remember that this paper requires 2- 4 library sources PLUS the novel. Only one online source is allowed for this paper. Wikipedia is not allowed, nor is Sparknotes, Shmoop, eNotes, or CliffsNotes, nor other literature help sites. 1. The first page of the source packet includes the following:

a. The heading in the top left. b. The works cited page for the sources cited in the paper. The works cited page should be in

alphabetical order and formatted with a hanging indent (CTRL+T). Please refer to your handbook or the websites in Canvas for help with correct MLA formatting.

2. In a word-processed document compose a paragraph that analyzes each secondary source.

Each paragraph should be 150-250 words and should answer the questions included below. You can decide the best way to organize your answers to the questions, but the answers should be specific and should prove that you carefully read and understood each source. The novel does NOT need to be analyzed here.

Insert the MLA citation for the individual source at the top of each paragraph. a. Who’s the author(s)? What gives them credibility to write about this topic? (Many sources include

a brief bio for the author; sometimes Googling an author can help as well.) b. In which journal/magazine/newspaper was this source published? What can you find out about

this publication? Is it a reputable source? c. What is the source about? What are the source’s main arguments? What evidence is used in the

source? What makes this source reliable? What specific ideas did you use from this source and how did you use they help shape your paper’s argument?

d. How does this source compare with other sources you’ve gathered for Paper 2? What does it add that the others don’t?

3. After the analyses of the sources, attach a hard copy of each secondary source referred to in the paper. The sources should be attached in alphabetical order. Each source copy should include highlights, notes, or other markings on the sources that indicate the ideas you’re citing from that source. If you’re using a book as a source, copy only the pages you’re using. If you’re using a web source, print those pages. Remember: though the novel should be in the list of works cited, the novel does not need to be included as a source in the source packet. You do not need to copy pages from the novel to include in the source packet.

The source packet will be graded for thoroughness and correctness; double-check the spelling of titles, authors, and correct MLA formatting. Be sure to read the sources carefully in order to provide accurate information. The Paper 2 Source Packet will be due by class time on Monday, April 3. Remember that the classroom isn’t supplied with paper clips or a large enough stapler, so plan accordingly.