Folktales & Mythology Research Paper Assignment
Write an in-depth research paper that deeply examines the god, goddess, creature, hero, or monster of your choice from world mythology (i.e., not limited to Greek and Roman). This paper will provide detailed background information on your chosen character/archetype (considering mythological genealogy, common or conflicting personality traits between texts, relationships with mortals, source texts for prominent stories, etc.) as well as analyze the influence this character has had on both the culture from which it originated as well as our culture today.
THIS IN-DEPTH RESEARCH PAPER IS ABOUT DAVID AND GOLIATH, so please make sure that the essay centers around examining the story of David and Goliath, providing detailed background information on the two, and analyze the influence that the story of David and Goliath had on the culture it came from and our culture today.
An ‘A’ paper will:
draw upon both primary and secondary sources: the folktale or myth, contemporary historical documents, commentary, criticism, interpretation, etc.
reference a range of types of sources: books, scholarly journals, interviews with experts, electronic sources, audiovisual sources (film clips, podcasts, documentaries…), encyclopedias, etc.
include visual (non-text) elements within your paper (such as photographs of art and artifacts, maps, charts, tables, etc). These must be integral to the textual content (not just pretty pictures thrown in!) and discussed within the body of the paper.
have at least FOUR direct quotes and at least THREE paraphrased pieces of evidence (all cited properly)
open all body paragraphs with statements of reasoning that introduce an IDEA and not the next piece of evidence
include a works cited page, and all sources used must be listed
use MLA style of citation (parenthetical) for your sources within the body of the paper and on your works cited page
be written at the appropriate level, using formal academic style!
have polished grammar, style, spelling, etc.
represent your best effort
The final product should be 5-7 pages, including visuals (these visuals should be relatively small, please scale accordingly). Keep in mind that you should have, at a minimum, at least five pages of actual written material.
REMEMBER: THIS IS A RESEARCH PAPER! This is a paper based on factual evidence, not on your own opinion. You may draw conclusions based on your research, but the foundation of your paper must be research-based. You must utilize a minimum of six substantial sources (1-2 page sources should be considered as counting for half a source). Remember to follow the MLA standards for citations, and remember that no research paper is complete without a works cited page. One word of advice: if in doubt, CITE!!
*** Be aware that your paper will not be accepted if you do not have at least six sources, a works cited page, and proper citations. Your paper does not qualify as a research paper if you don’t have adequate sources; not documenting and citing your sources properly leads to plagiarism.***
Folktales & Mythology Research Paper Rubric
Introduction
Includes a clear and sophisticated attention getter
Includes sufficient background information to follow the argument & an author/text statement
Claim is clear, an arguable point, insightful, and positioned at the end of the introduction
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Body Paragraphs
Focus and Organization
Paragraphs are clearly based on topic statements and tie back to the claim
Thoughts are presented in a clear & logical manner, and paragraphs are arranged around ideas not sources
Transitions are used between ideas and perhaps paragraphs
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 20
Synthesis
Paragraphs are organized around ideas, not around sources
Multiple sources are used in most body paragraphs
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 20
Research & Support
Research is used to support the claim
Supporting topics and claim are clearly supported with appropriate textual evidence
At least FOUR direct quotes and at least THREE paraphrased pieces of evidence
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 20
Quote Integration
Quotes are well integrated & may use IDEA format to introduce, document, explain, and analyze each quote
All three different types of quote introductions are used
1 3 5 7 9 11 12 13 15
Analysis/Approach Integration
The essay is clearly focused on one or more of the six critical approaches (FA, PA, AA, MPA, HCA, SE/MA)
Research is used to thoughtfully analyze your tale
The essay is an analysis not a summary
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 20
Conclusion
All points tied to your claim, claim is perhaps restated using different words
States a new insight or dimension- takes ideas/argument to a deeper level
Ends on memorable note
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Works Cited Page
At least 6 credible sources (2 are books)
Works cited is properly formatted using MLA format:
Double-spaced, All lines after first are indented, Alphabetical order, No numbers!!
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
MLA Formatting
Proper MLA header & heading
Quotes and paraphrased evidence are properly cited with parenthetical citations
1 2 3 4 5
Style & Grammar
Piece is clearly proofread and free of mechanical errors.
Style is varied and sophisticated.
1 2 3 4 5 PAPER/WORKS CITED TOTAL: ______//135
