WEEK 6
(updated 2/13/07)
Start thinking about your research paper--select a topic and narrow it down Figure
out what you want to say about a particular topic, author/writings. Will your
research focus on the author? Will you compare and contrast their different works?
Will you focus on characterization? What are your conclusions/impressions of
the author/works? How did the time period influence their writing? What made
them famous? ( If you'll be interviewing anyone regarding your topic, call them now to set
up an appointment.)
Send me an email next week letting me know what your topic (from the approved list) and thesis are. All topics need to be approved.
The research paper is not just a summary of the novel/play (although it
should be a part of it), but the paper goes way beyond that. You'll need to analyze
characters, motives, themes, etc. What is your opinion (thesis) about these? For example,
Mark Twain was well-known for his anti-religion stance. How/why is this reflected in some
of his writings? Or, how does his tone change, in regards to life in general, throughout a
lifetime of writing. Is it bitter? Joyful? Hopeful/hopeless? Some accuse him of being a
racist; others say that he was the voice for minorities in a time of deep-rooted
prejudice. What do YOU say? Why? Be prepared to defend this position (your thesis).
You will submit an outline to me for feedback purposes before you actually start writing
your papers. I want to be sure that you are on the right track.
As always, contact me if you have any questions. Thanks.
This week's assignment is much more
demanding than what we've had in the first five weeks. Please plan on spending a lot
of time on this work. We have spent considerable time building a good writing
foundation; now the hard work begins. You will be writing one essay each week, in
addition to planning for your final research paper (50% of your grade).
You have the option of going to the Writing Center for
assistance/feedback. Also, don't be bashful about having a friend, spouse,
co-worker or classmate review your work. They can often spot "confusing"
areas for you. Remember to write as if you're writing to an alien from another
plant: explain, clarify, and define any unusual terms. If you have any
questions, send me an email at any time. That's what I'm here for.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Lester: Chapter 6 (Unerstanding
and Avoiding Plagiarism)), p. 88-102
Use the "discussion link" to post the three most important things
you learned. If you are encountering problems with the discussion link, then
send the info to me via email.
Also read Chapter 10 (Drafting the Paper in an Academic Style). If you skip this reading, it will be evident in your final research paper.
Kirszner: Pages 303-318 ("Cause and Effect")
Page 321-323 ("Who Killed Benny Parent?") Answer questions 1-4 under
"Purpose and Audience."
Page
707-735 ("Writing a Research Paper). This information will help
guide your paper.
Write a five-paragraph cause-and-effect essay, as described on page 361,"Collaborative Activity For Cause and Effect." (This is part of the "Writing Assignments for Cause and Effect" section; the topic is homelessness.) You may work with a partner, or you may work alone. Be sure to type your thesis in ALL CAPS.