Research Paper Instructions
In preparation for the Research Paper and by completing your textbook readings you will be equipped to objectively respond by compiling information from a variety of sources to compose a paper that allows you to write a persuasive analysis of a literary work; follow standard usage in English grammar and sentence structure; proceed independently through the various stages of research and integrate sources accurately and effectively; identify the theme and structure of each literary selection as well as the significant characteristics or elements of each genre studied; and evaluate the literary merit of a work (Syllabus MLOs: A B C D E F G and Module 8 LOs: 1 2).
In Module/Week 8 you will write a 1500-word (57 pages) paper that addresses 1 of the plays from the Drama Unit. A minimum of 6 citations including the primary source and at least 5 secondary scholarly sources is required for this assignment. Before you begin writing the paper carefully read the guidelines for developing your paper topic that are given below. Review the Research Paper Grading Rubric to see how your submission will be graded. Gather all of your information plan the direction of your paper organize your ideas by developing a 1-page thesis statement and outline draft your paper and compile sources used. Format the thesis/outline the draft and works cited/references/bibliography using current MLA APA or Turabian style (whichever corresponds to your degree program). You are required to submit your thesis outline rough draft and works cited/references/bibliography by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module/Week 7 for instructor feedback.
The Research Paper is due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Friday of Module/Week 8 and must include a title page thesis statement and outline followed by the research paper and your correctly documented sources page.
Note: Review the Sample Essay on Drama in the Module/Week 6 Reading & Study folder.
Guidelines for Developing Your Paper Topic
Chapters 42 and 43 of the Kennedy and Gioia textbook (Chapters 44 and 45 in the eText) provide helpful pointers for writing about plays and for developing research papers. Be sure to review both chapters thoroughly before you begin doing any further work for this assignment.
Choose 1 of the prompts below to address in your paper:
1. Write an essay explaining how Sophocles Oedipus exemplifies or refutes Aristotles definition of a tragic hero. Review Chapter 34 in your textbook (Chapter 36 in the eText) for the background and overview of Aristotles concept of tragedy/the tragic hero and drama. This chapter also contains critical information on Sophocles and the play Oedipus. You may use any of the critical material as a secondary source but remember to cite it correctly. A video performance and an animated lesson on the play Oedipus are available in MyLiteratureLab Multimedia for you to watch.
2. Discuss William Shakespeares Othello the Moor of Venice as a tragedy. As defined by Aristotle is it correct to label Othello a tragic hero and to classify the play as an Aristotelian tragedy? Review Chapter 35 of your textbook (Chapter 37 in the eText) for the background and overview of Shakespeares Othello the Moor of Venice and drama. This chapter also contains critical information on Shakespeare and the play Othello the Moor of Venice. You may use any of these critical materials as a secondary source but remember to cite it correctly. Also read the overview of Aristotles concept of tragedy/the tragic hero on pages 904907 (pages 857859 in the eText) as well as the sample Student Essay on Othello (pages 11121115 of the eText and page 1024 to view the Student Essay). A video performance and an animated lesson on the play are also available in MyLiteratureLab Multimedia for you to watch.
3. Use evidence from Sophocles Oedipus from Shakespeares Othello Moor of Venice and from secondary sources to explain why you agree or disagree with this statement: The downfall of Oedipus is the work of the gods; the downfall of Othello is self-inflicted (Should you choose this option you need to read both Oedipus and Othello in full).
4. Discuss the authors perception of death and the treatment of death in Everyman.
Finding Scholarly Sources
For your papers you are only permitted to use academic sources. Resources such as 123Essays Spark Notes Cliff Notes and Masterplots (or similar resources) are not scholarly and will not be permitted in your papers. To find appropriate sources access the Liberty University Library through the Services/Support link on the course menu. From there you can use the Library Research Portal to find peer-reviewed scholarly journals. The Literature Resource Center is an excellent resource for these types of papers.
If you need additional help finding the right sources you can receive help from a librarian in the Liberty library by emailing your questions to [email protected]. You are also free to visit your local library or do some research on the Internet; however make sure that you have credible sources. If you are uncertain email your source to you instructor in advance.