Annotated Bibliography: Beowulf and Macbeth
Objective: Research and write an annotated bibliography for Beowulf and Macbeth.
Topics:
·
Discuss the struggle between good and evil as it is portrayed in Beowulf and
Macbeth.
·
Discuss the concepts of fate and free will as they are portrayed in Beowulf
and Macbeth.
·
Discuss the role of a good king as it is illustrated in Beowulf and Macbeth.
Process:
·
Beowulf and Macbeth are your primary sources.
·
First, consider the topics and do research to find secondary sources that are
connected to your primary sources and one or more of the essay topics.
·
Second, consider your research and write a thesis statement based on the
topic/s and your research.
·
Third, gather data from both primary sources that supports your thesis
statement.
·
Fourth, gather data from your secondary sources that supports your thesis
statement. This data will support and/or provide a counterpoint to your
argument.
FOR NOW, YOU WILL ONLY WRITE THE ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY. YOU WILL NOT WRITE A
LITERARY CRITICISM ESSAY UNTIL NEXT SEMESTER. J
THIS ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY IS WORTH 100 POINTS.
Basic Requirements for each annotated bibliography:
Ann Bib for Beowulf
Ann Bib for Macbeth
one primary source: Beowulf
one primary source: Macbeth
two primary sources—from your research two primary sources—from your research
Plus:
• MLA format including inline citations for quotes and Works Cited page
• Academic Tone
• Using the correct Ann Bib format as shown in this handout and taught in class
Remember: Requirements are not suggestions.
Research:
·
Choose one or two topics that interest you—
·
·
Think about one or two arguments you might make based on the topics.
Using Jstor or PPLD databases only, do research on your topic/s, and look for
information that will support your argument. You can also look for sources that
present a counter argument that you feel confident you can refute. Remember,
you need two secondary sources for each primary source.
•
You should print each of your secondary sources – if the article/essay is
overly long, print only the page range that you need.
•
Save all citation information for each secondary source!
Thesis Statement and Claims
·
Compose a thesis statement that clearly states your argument for the
proposed essay.
·
Test your thesis: Is it a plot point? Can you make a counter-argument?
·
Compose the claims for each of your body paragraphs, and list (bulleted) the
main ideas for each of those paragraphs.
Approval (25 points)
·
Submit in MLA format: Due Date: _________________________
o
o
o
o
A working title
Thesis statement
3 claims with bulleted main ideas
Works Cited page
Writing the Annotated Bibliography
•
STOP. Before moving on to this step—have you had the following approved by the
teacher?
o
o
o
o
A working title
Thesis statement
3 claims with bulleted main ideas
Works Cited page
If you have approval, please proceed.
Steps for Writing the Annotated Bibliography.
You will follow this process for both Beowulf and Macbeth.
Remember to use academic tone and MLA format in all sections of the ann bib.
Primary Source (Beowulf or Macbeth):
1. Consider your argument (thesis) as it relates to your primary source. How can
does it support your thesis?
2. Take notes over all the ideas that you can think of for number one above.
3. Highlight, underline, or circle the ideas that you believe are most relevant.
4. Find 3-7 quotes in Beowulf that support your ideas from number two above.
a. Copy them down in your notes with the correct citation.
5. Compose a 1-3 sentence paragraph that summarizes this primary source. Do
not forget academic tone.
6. Write a second paragraph that explains how this primary source supports your
argument. Do not forget academic tone.
7. In a bulleted list, add the 3-5 quotes you chose with the proper citation.
8. NOW REPEAT THIS PROCESS FOR YOUR OTHER PRIMARY SOURCE.
Secondary Sources from PPLD or JSTOR:
(Secondary sources should be presented in alpha order as they appear on the
Works Cited page.)
1. Consider your argument (thesis) as it relates to this secondary source. How does
the source support (or refute) your thesis?
2. Take notes over all the ideas that you can think of for number one above.
3. Highlight, underline, or circle the ideas that you believe are most relevant.
4. Find 3-5 quotes in this secondary source that support your ideas from number
two above.
a. Copy them down in your notes with the correct citation.
5. Compose a 1-3 sentence paragraph that summarizes this secondary source. Do
not forget academic tone.
6. Write a second paragraph that explains how your data (quotes) supports your
argument. Do not forget academic tone and MLA format.
7. In a bulleted list, add the 3-5 quotes you chose with the proper citation.
8. NOW REPEAT THIS PROCESS FOR YOUR OTHER SECONDARY SOURCE.
Peer Review:
Prepare a final draft copy of your ann bibs for peer review.
o Final Draft means you have written, edited and revised to the point that
you think it is ready to hand in for a grade.
o Only drafts typed in MLA format with Works Cited page will receive full
credit for Peer Review.
1. Peer Review for Beowulf Annotated Bibliography (required) due: ________________
2. Peer Review for Macbeth Annotated Bibliography (required) due: ________________
Ø After peer review, make the necessary revisions. Remember, you are the author,
and only you can decide what will be in your final draft.
Ø Ask your teacher for help as needed.