English 103: Research Project for The Kite Runner
Dr. Anita Cruse
The purpose of this assignment is to gain background knowledge relevant to the novel we will be
reading, The Kite Runner. In addition, by sharing the information you find, we are able to create a
shared fund of knowledge for the whole class. The assignment is worth 100 points.
A. Student Learning Outcomes: At the end of this project you will be able to…
1. Locate and read at least three sources of information about a topic from at least two different
types of sources including books, periodicals, Internet sites, documentary films or
encyclopedias.
2. Write at two-page (min.) report of the information found from research about a topic.
3. Present a short oral presentation of the research results to a small group of classmates.
B. What you need to do:
1. Working alone or with a partner (must be approved), choose one of the topics to research
related to The Kite Runner. The more specific the topic, the better it will be. (e.g. Sunni
Muslims in Afghanistan, rather than Muslims in general)
2. Use the search page available through the library or your own search to locate resources.
3. Read the resources and gather the most important details about your topic.
4. Write your report using the following organization:
Paragraph 1: Introduce and define the topic you researched
Paragraph 2& 3: Summarize the most important details you found out about the topic.
Organize the summary into two paragraphs.
Paragraph 3: Reflect about what you learned.
5. The report must be at least two pages long, double-spaced and 12 point Times New Roman
font. If it is not formatted correctly it will not be graded.
6. Type the report and turn it in along with the citations for your sources. The citations must be
in MLA format. Attach the cover page to the front of your report.
7. Share your information in an oral presentation to a small group of classmates.
English 103: Research Project for The Kite Runner
Dr. Anita Cruse
Possible Research Topics: The Kite Runner
1. Education in Afghanistan (1980-2001)
2. Treatment of women in Afghanistan before and during Taliban rule
3. Taliban rule in Afghanistan (This may be too big. It can be broken down to such topics as:
treatment of women, law and punishment, restrictions, worship practices)
4. Sunni Muslims
5. Shi’a Muslims
6. The Koran (or Qur-‘an)
7. Pashtun tribe in Afghanistan
8. Hazara tribe in Afghanistan
9. Monarchy in Afghanistan before the war with Russia
10. Russian invasion (late 1970’s)
11. Kite Flying Tournaments in Afghanistan
12. Buzkashi (national “sport”)
13. Afghani food
14. Afghani music
15. Geography of Afghanistan
16. Economy in Afghanistan
17. The arts in Afghanistan (music, media, film, choose one)
18. The Mosque
19. Afghanistan family structure
20. Marriage customs in Afghanistan culture (courtship, engagement, marriage)
English 103: Research Project for The Kite Runner
Dr. Anita Cruse
Research
____ Three or more
resources used
____ Two different types of
resources used
____ Resources in MLA
format
(20)
Contents
____ Information is
summarized into two
paragraphs
Report
Written
____ Topic is introduced
____ Summary paragraphs
are coherent
____ Writer personally
reflects on topic
(40)
Format
____ The report is at least
two pages in length
____ Formatting criteria are
followed
(10)
Clarity
____ Errors in writing
conventions do not
affect readability
(5)
Oral
____ Makes eye contact
Presentation
with classmates
____ Speaks in a volume that
can be heard by all
____ Presents information
without reading report
(25)
English 103: Research Project for The Kite Runner
Dr. Anita Cruse
Name ____________________________________________________________
Topic: ____________________________________________________________
Source 1:
______________________________________________________
Source 2:
______________________________________________________
Source 3:
______________________________________________________
Source 4:
______________________________________________________
Did you have any difficulty locating sources? (Explain)
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
What kind of help did you get? (e.g. librarian, other student, roommate, instructor)
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Total points for assignment:
________