Lit Paper

1. Writing about the past.

Marcel Proust, Bessie Head, and Leslie Marmon Silko are all in one way or another writing about the past, or with the past in mind. How do each of these authors gain access to information about the past? What influence does the past have on each of their literary works? In what ways are these works similar with regard to treatment of the past? In what ways are they different? Do you feel that the past had an influence on any of these authors in their ability to be creative? Explain.

The Big Picture

Contemporary World Literature is an introduction to 20th-century literature featuring selected works by authors from around the world. You purpose is to read and analyze these works to learn about some of the important literary movements and themes within their cultural contexts in the century. To apply your learning, you will write a research paper for your World Lit Project.

Goal

Write a 6-7 page research paper in which you critically evaluate up to three literary works on a structural and thematic level. You will select a topic from a list of questions on the question above.

There is 3 parts that have to be completed

       Part one- Introduction and your Topic

       Part Two-Thesis and Outline

       Part 3- Final Paper

Technical Requirements

1. Original research paper in APA format with a minimum length of 6-7 pages.  In general, pages consist of:

Title Page – Captivating title, your name, title of the course, date

Body – 6-7 pages in length. Follow this rough outline:

1. Introduction – introduce topic- (Remember you will choose from a list of questions.) Bring focus to your study through thesis statement.
2. First Pointcoming out of thesis statement
   1. Support #1 from research
   2. Support #2 from research
   3. Personal observation
   4. Etc.
3. Second Pointcoming out of thesis statement
   1. Support #1 from research
   2. Support #2 from research
   3. Personal opinion
   4. Etc.
4. Third Point(if needed) coming out of thesis statement
   1. Support #1 from research
   2. Support #2 from research
   3. Personal opinion
   4. Etc.
5. Conclusion – restate thesis and close with striking point or quotation.

References Cited page – in APA format.  

1. Proper mechanics (clear, concise, and complete sentences and paragraphs), proper spelling, grammar and punctuation.
2. 10-15 citations (quotes) for the paper from the primary texts plus your research in one or two secondary sources. (Primary texts are the original works of literature you choose to study. Research focuses on secondary sources, which are critical books and essays about the texts. You should spend most of your time in the original works!) Your textbook is a good resource. Please use one or two sources as available from your college’s Online Library. Visit the Online Library for help on conducting research. The Online Library is accessible through the Resources tab. Internet resources should be reliable as at a university, website.
3. Use statements and ideas that are your own writing and blend these in with your research. Do not plagiarize. If you want to use actual words from a source, put them in quotation marks with the source.
4. Follow APA format for the paper and for citing your sources. For APA guidelines in your college’s Online Library, see Resources tab.