You must use at least 3 sources. None may come through the interne. (although databases like Academic Search Complete, Jstor, or the MLA Bibliographical Index may be used as much as you want); do not use excerpted collections of criticism as “Dictionary of Literary Biography” or “Encyclopedia of Criticism.”
The primary text (the work you are writing about) does NOT count as a source.
This research paper is NOT to be a biographical study. This is to be a work of critical analysis. It should be thesis-driven, which means that you will posit an argumentative thesis that will enlighten the reader as to the possible meanings of the text, and that your research will therefore help prove your points regarding the text. Thus, all research must concentrate on the primary text, not the author’s life. Similarly, research should not be about secondary or tertiary points (“alcoholism,” “incest,” “abusive parenting,” so on) but should consist of articles and texts about the text itself. Remember that this is a literature class, not a sociology or history class; therefore, your research should draw from books and articles about the literacy works we’ve read, and not from psychology texts, how-to or self-help books, or so on.
Use quotes and examples from the text and the sources to help prove your point, but avoid extensive paraphrasing of the text.
Demonstrate throughout the paper why your point is relevant and how it helps us reach a greater understanding of the work in question.
AVOID OVER-SUMMARIZING. Assume your audience is familiar with the primary text. Write an analysis, not a report.
