Research Paper on a Literary Topic
2011-12 AP Literature & Composition
Requirements & Schedule Click here for a PDF Version and Calendar
FINAL COPY DUE: Wednesday, January 24, 2012 (Typed in MLA Style in Word and submitted electronically to wiki)
First Draft due: November 15, 2011
Second Draft due: November 22, 2011
Topic: Related to a literary topic and based on an arguable point (thesis). Topic focus is to be non-American, i.e. a general topic such as "poetic meter," or other world literature, such as "style of Homer" or "women of Jane Austen."
Length: Nine-to-twelve pages text, plus Works Cited, plus Works Consulted. Endnotes are optional (and do not count towards or against the total of text pages required).
Format: Formal, using Modern Language Association (MLA) Style for research papers. Stapled. No report covers.
Font: 12 pt Courier New, double-spaced Courier New Looks Like This
Notes: NOTECARDS: On 3x5. Two types: Information & Source cards. Organized by STP method: Source, Topic, Page; direct quotes and comment cards.
Source cards are marked with MLA source information. (For web sites: note web page, author, institution, date page was revised, date you accessed it, and then the URL; just a URL is NOT enough).
Sources: Must have eight credible, authoritative sources (major secondary and/or primary sources). This may include sources available through the ACCESS PA and POWER LIBRARY system. Take advantage of this great link to university libraries.
Any number of encyclopedic sources (reference by entry sources like encyclopedias, dictionaries, CD-ROMs, etc.) may be consulted and cited, however, only one may be counted toward the minimum number of works required for the Works Cited or Works Consulted bibliographies.
Required: book sources (nonfiction, biography, primary source fiction, non-encyclopedic).
Required: at least one periodical source (newspaper, magazine, scholarly journal). This may be found through electronic databases or online version of a print newspaper or magazine. (E.g. A magazine or newspaper online is a non-print source that does have a print version). Limit the number of electronic-only sources (sources that are non-print sources such as the web pages and CD-ROMs that do not have print version available). (E.g. A magazine or newspaper online is a non-print source that does have a print version). Only two non-print electronic sources may be counted toward the minimum number of works required for the Works Cited and Works Consulted bibliographies.
Recommended, but not required: authoritative websites devoted to your topic (e.g. the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Joseph Conrad Society of America, and the Smithsonian).
It should not be difficult to reach the minimum requirement of sources. For example, a typical paper is likely to have a Works Cited of:
2 encyclopedic sources (1 counts toward min req) 3 magazine articles (3 count)
2 online database of print sources (3 count) 3 websites (3 count)
4 books (4 count)
The above example has 16 sources, 14 of which count--6 above the minimum 8 required. All of the above are subject to approval by the instructor. Do not use sites or print summary/study guides like Cliffs, Sparknotes, Book Rags, Schmoop, etc. Do not visit cheat sites and essay sites.
During the research and writing process, parts of this assignment will be due and checked and graded for credit. See below for due dates.
Evaluation will be made on the basis of ideas, organization, wording, tone, grammar, punctuation, spelling, appearance, completeness, and promptness. Marking will be in accordance with school policy. Note this is a pre-announced assignment--all due dates are to be met regardless of your attendance on those dates. Lates will be penalized.
Appropriate, efficient, and courteous use of libraries is a skill assessed in this assignment. The assignment will not be considered complete until all materials borrowed from all libraries and any other lending facilities are returned and fines paid.
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