The Individual and the community- the individual identity of American local color and modernist fiction.

ENGLISH 232: Researched Essay #2

Topic             Write an 4-6 page research paper exploring how at least two works of literature we have studied (or will study) this semester reflect on one of the topics listed below.  Your essay will explore how the individual authors think about this issue and argue what is important to learn from their works about the chosen topic in the present.

Keep in mind that if you are writing about short poems, you will need to use at least two poems by each author to understand a writer’s ideas.  If you choose a work of literature for which we only read excerpts, you may need to read more than was assigned to the class.

Format           The paper should be no less than 4 pages (meaning, the text should reach the top of page 5), typed and double spaced, with a works cited page (works cited pages do not count toward the page limit).  It should follow MLA format and use at least three secondary sources, in addition to the two primary sources about which you are writing (so a total of five sources on the works cited page—more if you write about short poems).

Purpose        To give you practice in exploring an idea about a work of literature in depth, to learn to synthesize your own ideas about a work of literature with those of other writers, to learn more about a particular work of literature and its cultural and historical context, and to develop an understanding of changing or enduring attitudes and values in American literature.

Deadlines

See the course calendar

Grading

A Paper          Persuasively and in an interesting manner compares and contrasts two works of literature from different time periods and helps the reader better understand the works as a whole.

Makes effective use of summary, paraphrase, quotations, and explanations to prove the thesis.  Quotations are gracefully introduced, correctly cited, and documented on a correctly formatted works cited page.  Evidence from secondary sources is well chosen and effectively helps the writer argue his or her point.

Develops ideas with effective and clear organization.  The introductory paragraph is well developed, captures the readers’ interest, introduces the titles and authors, and ends with a clear thesis statement that is an IDEA.  Body paragraphs begin with topic sentences that are IDEAS (not plot summary).  The conclusion is well developed.  It begins with a restatement of the thesis statement and then helps readers understand the relevance or significance of the work of literature’s theme in the readers’ own lives or world.

Remains free of grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

B Paper          Accomplishes all of requirements of an A paper to a lesser extent.

C Paper         Has one or more of the following problems:

Fails to persuade the reader of the writer’s thesis or to compare and contrast works of literature fully enough to help the reader better understand the works as a whole.

Lacks sufficient specific examples (summary, paraphrase, quotation or explanation) to prove the thesis.  Quotations are not introduced, correctly cited or correctly documented on the works cited page.  Fails to effectively use three secondary sources to advance the thesis.

Organization is weak or ineffective.  Introduction is not well developed, fails to introduce author and title, or lacks a clear thesis statement.  Body paragraphs lack topic sentences that are ideas.  Conclusion lacks development.

Contains many grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors.

D of F Paper  Has two or more of the problems listed under C Paper.

Essay #2 Topic Proposal Form              

Using the assignment guidelines for Paper #2, answer the following questions regarding your plans for writing the paper. This is your initial plan. You are allowed to make changes after this, but please let me know if you make adjustments.

1. The broad research topic I have chosen from the assignment guidelines is (type out the research topic chosen from the assignment guidelines)

The Individual and the community- the individual identity of American local color and modernist fiction.

1. In my essay, I will be answering the following research question regarding the  topic above (if it is not already phrased as a question) is

How did Booker T. Washington and W.E.B Du Bois overcome their obstacle and hardships during this timeframe?

1. The two texts (more may be chosen) I will be using to explore this topic is / are

• Washington: Up From Slavery
• Du Bois: The Souls of Black Folk

1. The primary argument I wish to make at this time is although both Africans Americans went through hardships of their own, they were BOTH examples of leaders during this time for African Americans.

1. Two (professional or academic sources) I could potentially use from the Durham Tech. library databases are (please research your topic and provide citations below in MLA format –three are required for the final draft)