The goal of this essay is to synthesize research into a relevant discussion connecting Bram Stoker’s Dracula to contemporary issues. This essay will allow us the chance to evaluate sources based on relevance, credibility, and value, and synthesize multiple researched sources into a coherent argument that uses evidence and analysis.
The Assignment
For this essay, we need to conduct individual research to a specific topic or idea in Dracula – such as fear of contagion (vampirism), alienation, the threat of otherness, the uncanny, transgression, science and superstition, etc. – to a contemporary issue, such as the pandemic, immigration, or the socioeconomic divide. What can Dracula teach us about our current problem and how we can deal with it?
The Research
This essay will require substantial research, which may include scholarly sources that specifically address themes in Dracula, historical research that puts the book in context, and research on contemporary issues. You must include cited information (quotation and paraphrase) from at least 5 sources + Dracula. Your research will involve both primary and secondary sources.
Primary Sources include original literary texts and works of art (novels, short stories, poetry, films, etc.), as well as any historical documents from the time period in which the work was created (letters, diary entries, news articles, etc.), and contemporary news articles.
Secondary Sources include scholarly books and articles about the literary work, historical information written after the time period in question, and any work that includes researched material in its writing.
Though some of your sources may be primary texts you are analyzing or other outside information, at least 3 of your sources must be scholarly sources accessed through the school’s library.
Assignment Requirements
Your essay should be 7-9 full double-spaced pages with 1” side margins, 1” header and footer margins, Times New Roman, 12 pt font.
Your introduction should include a thesis that gives your readers a main claim or guiding idea specific to your focus, which will be developed throughout.
Your essay must include direction quotations from your chosen contemporary text and should include summary where relevant. It must also include cited references (quotation and/or paraphrase) of at least 5 sources that you have found in your research, in addition to Dracula.
Cite all sources in MLA format (in text), in addition to a Works Cited page. Use Purdue OWL (linked on Canvas) to look up proper MLA in-text citations and Works Cited formatting.
