For this major individual research project, you will be choosing one American writer from 1865 – present and placing him or her in the proper context. To do this, you will be finding background information, reading some of the writer’s work, and reviewing some critical analysis of the writer’s work. Then you will be combining your research with your own analysis to offer a picture of your writer in his/her place in American literature and history.
Major Points to Cover:
Relevant biographical information (a very general overview followed by details that are relevant to the works(s) you discuss)
Writer’s Context: Where does he/she fit in the following contexts?
Historical Period
Literary or Movement
Cultural/Sociological Atmosphere
Brief, general overview of major work(s)
Detailed critique of work(s) you focused on (based on your reading, plus some research, if pertinent)
Questions to Consider over Major Points Above:
What are some overriding topics, themes, and motifs in this author’s works?
What are the historical events that helped shape why the author writes about this topic/these particular themes?
What are the social influences (people, events, education, etc.) that helped shape why the author writes about this topic/these particular themes/patterns?
How does the author fit into a particular literary period? How is he or her representative, or not representative of that period?
How did the author’s professional career help shape why the author writes about this topic/these particular themes/patterns?
What are the personal perspectives and experiences that helped shape who the author is and how are they reflected in his or her writing?
What is the author’s significance to the literary world? How does this author influence others’ writings and others’ lives?
Organization:
Introduction that begins with a hook and ends with a thesis statement. Your thesis statement should express the significance of your author and include a relationship between points you make in your paper. Focus on how and why, not just statement of fact.
Body that includes at least one paragraph each over the Major Points to Cover
Conclusion that avoids merely repeating what has already been stated. This is a good place to discuss the writer’s legacy and his or relevance in American literature.
Depending on the type of writer you choose, your reading load will vary. For a novelist, you must read at least one of his/her novels (one which has not been, and will not be, read in class). For a poet, you must read at least ten of his/her poems. For a short story writer, you must read at least three of his/her short stories. For a playwright, you must read at least one of his/her plays (as well as watch a recorded performance if possible).
Avoid creating a copy-and-paste patchwork quilt of information you read online. Most importantly, avoid plagiarizing. Be sure to review the plagiarism policy in the syllabus. It is more important to interact with the writer’s work(s) and make connections than it is to report what you can find online.
Also avoid praising the writer or his or her works.
Your final draft will be 6 to 7 pages in MLA format, with an additional Works Cited page that includes the author’s works you choose plus at least five additional sources. At least three of your five additional sources must come from GIL or GALILEO. If you other two do not come from GIL or GALILEO, they must be credible and pass the CRAPP test for research. Using Google Search Tricks can help you find credible sources. In general, crredible sources end in .edu or .gov., so avoid .com sites (except for an established media source such as the Wall Street Journal). Carefully scrutinize .org sites.
