Name: _____________________________________________
Period: _________
Literary Research Project Guidelines
American Literature
Ms. Arena
Important Dates
Working Thesis: ________________________________________
Library Days: ____________________________________________
Notecards: _____________________________________________
Outline: ________________________________________________
Final Draft: _____________________________________________
Goals

recognize the differences between critical articles published in a reputable journal and typical online sources

read a literary work carefully and look at how the parts (setting, character, point of view, etc.) create a whole.

use your own insights and interpretation as well as outside sources to analyze a literary element

organize a substantial amount of information, integrating your ideas with outside sources so that the paper has
a clear and coherent structure

give appropriate credit to your sources using proper MLA citation

balance direct quotes, summary, and paraphrase within a lengthy written piece
Requirements

30 notes cards

outline/organized structure of research prior to writing

final paper with a minimum of 5 pages (excluding Works Cited Page)

4 sources of three different types; 1 source from a reputable journal

typed, double spaced, Times New Roman, 12 point font with proper margins

correct first page heading and subsequent pagination on all pages (including Works Cited)

properly formatted in-text citations using MLA parenthetical style); if this is done incorrectly, you have
plagiarized your paper and are subject to consequences as noted in the Student Handbook

properly formatted Works Cited Page
Topic Selection
A literary research paper should showcase your understanding of an author, a work of literature, or the culture that
produced a work of literature. Literary research papers can examine an author’s motives, a work’s historical accuracy, or
any other topic. This assignment requires you to closely analyze one or more pieces of American literature. You
should draw from pieces we have read but not limit yourself to those works. Our library has a number of anthologies
of short stories. You may find an anthology organized by genre, female or male authors, certain themes, etc. Our
library has a lot to offer if you experiment with different possibilities.
Below are some suggested directions for your paper; however, you should feel free to generate your own topic.

Compare two pieces by the same author focusing on one literary element


Compare pieces by different authors which have a commonality such as theme


the use of dialogue in Harlem Renaissance poetry
Contrast how two different authors write about the same subject (love, death, youth, grief, war, etc)


the Modernist perspective on family
Analyze a number of poems by a specific poet or group of poets – how are they similar/different


female characters in “The Yellow Wallpaper” and “The Hours” demonstrate women’s roles in society
Discuss how a specific genre/movement addresses theme


male protagonists Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer in Mark Twain’s writing
Edgar Allan Poe’s view on death in comparison to Ambrose Bierce’s
Discuss how environmental factors influence an author

the historical connections to John Steinbeck’s use of California as a setting in The Grapes of Wrath
The Process
1.
Select a topic and generate a working thesis statement.
2.
Conduct substantial research. You must use 4 sources of at least three different types (books, articles, personal
interviews, web materials, videos, etc.)
NOTE: You are required to use one article published in a reputable journal. To access articles such as
these, you will need to use Power Library and/or EbscoHost. Be sure to access an entire article and not
merely the abstract.
3.
Your research should produce a minimum of 30 note cards. You must use proper format for your note cards and
your source cards (see attached guidelines). Aim for a balance in types of material cited and ways of citing. It
may be helpful to use a chart such as this to ensure balance:
# of book/print sources _________
# of direct quotes _________
# of article/database sources _________
# of summaries _________
# of web sources _________
# of paraphrases _________
# of other sources _________
4.
Organize your research in some way (this is typically done in outline form). Whatever form you select, this
intermediate step will be checked before you begin writing your paper.
5.
Create a polished and scholarly research-based analysis of the literature you have selected.
Formatting Your Source Cards & Note Cards

create a source card for each source (see formatting sheet – same as Works Cited)

fit as much information as possible on each notecard

each notecard must have
o
research consisting of either a summary, quotation, or paraphrase
o
heading (top left)
o
source (bottom left)
Based on the research on the notecard,
make up a heading you’ll use later to
organize your information.
THE SMOKING GUN TAPE
The “smoking gun” tape was the final tape that Nixon gave up to the Judiciary Committee. It was made six days
after the break-in at the DNC headquarters at the Watergate Hotel.
In the tape, Haldeman told Nixon that the FBI’s investigation was leading
Nixon’s re-election campaign. This tape was the evidence the Judiciary Committee needed showing that Nixon had played a role in the conspiracy
almost from day one. Before the tape was released, most Republicans supported him.
The majority of your notes should paraphrase
summarize/p
Smith 205
the info from your sources. Include few
direct quotes
This information appears first on
each source card. It may be the
author’s last name, article title, etc.
Only books/magazines include page #
When to Quote, Paraphrase, or Summarize
By integrating research material into your paper, you add credibility, complexity, and support to your thesis, but
research material cannot make your points for you. You must provide commentary and context in order for research
material to have significance.
quote: exact wording of the research material and must match the original source word for word
paraphrase: detailed restatement in your own words of research material; meaning is identical to the original
passage but the words you use may change
summary: condensed version of a passage
When should I use a direct quote?
Using quotations is the easiest way to include research material, but quotations should be used carefully and sparingly.
You want to avoid having a paper that is a string of quotes with occasional input from you. Paraphrasing and
summarizing is a better way to show understanding of research material. Here are a few good reasons to use a quote:
1. Accuracy: You are unable to paraphrase or summarize the research material without changing the author’s intent.
2. Authority: You may want to use a quote to lend expert authority for your assertion.
3. Conciseness: Your attempts to paraphrase or summarize are awkward or much longer than the research material.
4. Unforgettable Language: You believe that the words of the author are memorable or remarkable because of their
effectiveness. Additionally, the author may have used a unique phrase or sentence, and
you want to comment on words or phrases themselves.
Works Cited Page

last page of your paper

must list all sources that were cited in your paper

list sources in alphabetical order

if the citation carries over from the first line, use a hanging indent so that subsequent lines are indented
Sample Works Cited Page
Jones 6
Works Cited
Elish, Dan. The Watergate Scandal. Toronto: Children’s Press, 2004. Print.
Smith, John. “I Know A Lot About Waterate.” The Best Book Ever. Ed: Heather Arena. Reading: Exeter Publishing Inc.,
2009. 154-170. Print.
Thompson, Tom. “Watergate: The Scandal That Brought Down Richard Nixon.” Time. 20 Nov 200: 70-72. Print.
Writing Checklist
Use the following checklist to ensure your paper effectively conveys your point. A great argument means nothing if
you cannot clearly relay it to the reader.
Organization
Idea Development
My introduction hooks the reader in an

I use specific, rather than general, details.
interesting way.

I describe things in unique and memorable ways.

All my ideas are presented in a logical sequence.

My writing is focused and doesn’t stray of topic.

The transitions show my reader where my ideas

It is clear from my writing that I like my topic.

more forward.

The organization of the whole piece feels natural.
Word Choice

My conclusion leaves the reader satisfied.

My adjectives are thoughtful and fit my
descriptions.
Voice


My writing style reveals a lot about my
I take risk with words; I don’t just use predictable
ones.
personality.

I incorporate figurative language when natural.

My word choice sounds natural not forced.

My pronouns and antecedents always agree.

My writing comes across as honest and
convincing.


Sentence Fluency
My writing attempts to connect with my

My sentences begin with different words.
audience.

I use both simple and complex sentences.
My attitude about my topic is obvious.

I use a variety of transitional words and
phrases.

I use prepositional phrases and introductory
phrases to add variety.
Literary Research
Name: ___________________________________________________
Thesis Drafting Sheet
Main Text/Author: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ancillary Texts/Authors: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Working Thesis Statement:
What information do you need to find in order to prove this thesis?




Next step… find some sources and start reading what other people have to say about your topic.
And one more… where are you going with your research?
thesis/organize your information.
1.
2.
3.
Do you need to rework your thesis?
Try to come up with three big points which prove your