The purpose of the literary research paper is for the student to become an expert on the novel that she has just read. She can write her paper by choosing which type of literary research paper she will write: analytical or argumentative.

Analytical Research Paper:  The Writer’s Complex at the State University of New York defines an analytical paper: "To analyze means to break a topic or concept down into its parts in order to inspect and understand it, and to restructure those parts in a way that makes sense to you. In an analytical research paper, you do research to become an expert on a topic so that you can restructure and present the parts of the topic from your own perspective."

Argumentative Research Paper: In direct contrast to the analytical paper, your approach here is to take a stand on an issue and use evidence to back-up your stance, not to explore or flesh out an unresolved topic.

Format and Length

The paper should be typed using MLA format. Please use 1” margins on all sides, proper headings, no title page, 12 Font and Times New Roman. World Lit II length of paper should be 8-10 pages. World Lit III length of paper should be 10-12 pages. This does not include an alphabetized Works Cited Page.

Due Dates:

1.   6-10 Critical Sources with Bibliography and either annotations or notecards by Monday, May 11 (In folder)
      If you have used a book, photocopy the table of contents.
2.  Thesis and Preliminary Outline by Friday, May 8, 2009

The final draft of the research paper should be uploaded to Turnitin.com. It is due on the scheduled day of your final exam. Students with an A for Semester II are exempt from coming to class on the Final Exam day, but must have submitted their paper to Turnitin.com.

Subject of Research

After you have read your novel, you need to find at least 6-10 critical sources or critical essays or critical analysis, which have been written by other “noteworthy” people (scholars, educators, graduate students or other experts in the field, By reading what others say, you may choose an area that seems interesting to you to write about or perhaps a question has been raised that you may want to defend or refute. The hardest part of the research paper is writing and revising a thesis statement that will carry you throughout your paper. Because the paper is lengthy, you have time to truly explore all facets of your topic.

The Sources Exploration

Unfortunately, Regina doesn’t have a wide array of resources, but there are a few: instead of using Google to search the internet – use Advanced Google that lets you put in the domain of either edu, org, or gov. This way, you filter out all the junk.  Also, on the RDHS library site, check out E-Library – it really does help with finding material. If you read an older or classic book, try our library, we may have a book with critical essays in them. Most of you have access to a public library or live close enough to go to the college library. Most community colleges will let you use their resources. Northwestern allows the public to use the library during certain hours. Be resourceful. The better and more sources you find, the easier it will be to write your paper.

Resources

Use your Bedford Handbook or check it out online. (Limited Access)
Use the MLA Handbook. Online, again limited access.
The Following Links also are good stepping stones and should be remembered when you are in college:
Purdue University’s OWL (Online Writing Lab)
Research Paper Checklist
Internet Public Library for Teens
Washington State University Research Paper All You Want To Know

Giving Credit, and Bibliography (Works Cited)

If the idea isn’t yours – you need to cite the work in your paper. That means whether you paraphrase, summarize or use word for word. Please don’t take this lightly. This is a big deal. Use in-text parenthetical citation (if author, provide author’s last name. If no author, use a title – if title is long – abbreviate). Include page numbers unless from internet, then you don’t need to include one.

 

Works Cited page is last page of paper and should be in alphabetical order.
Use the on-line bibliography generators:
Easy Bib
Bib Me
MLA Citation Generator
Otto Bib