PAPER #2
Like your first paper, each of you will need to select a text, author, or group of texts from the syllabus around which to build an argument or interpretation. The main difference in this paper is that you will need to the following:
- Write 6 to 8 pages of text, not including the works cited
- Use at least five academic sources (articles or books) as evidence to support your argument
- Prepare an annotated bibliography prior to your first draft of the paper
A successful paper will do the following:
- A lively argument
- A final draft that is both revised and edited
- A strong introduction that includes a clear thesis and references the writer or writers about whom you are writing
- A conclusion that ties together your major points and then expands the conversation through analysis
- Key quotes from the texts under discussion to provide the basis for your analysis
- The use of internal citations for quotes, MLA style
- The use of signal phrases for said quotes
- An MLA works cited page (which should be numbered but is not part of the minimum page count)
- Citations for any additional sources
- A complete absence of plagiarism
- A strict compliance with the MLA paper format guidelines, particularly with margins, spacing, and font. I consider mechanical tricks to manipulate the length of your paper disrespectful of the hard work of your classmates and take off for it.
- The paper should be printed in 12 point Times New Roman Font and have 1" margins with a zero gutter.
- Find Books (catalog): Books still work, folks.
- Academic Search Premier: These online resources are usually far more academically acceptable than googled articles.
- The Literature Resource Center: scholarly work on literature.
- Netlibrary: online versions of scholarly books.
- Wikipedia is not a legitimate source in this college-level class, although it can point to other sources that would be considered legitimate. Make sure that you can defend the decision to use specific online sources if challenged.
- If you choose to make comparisons between events from the course and contemporary issues or events, I urge you to make sure the focus of the paper is at least 60% on the class material.