Assignment Learning Goals

For each student:

• To practice using the research resources available through FGCU's library, including electronic databases, WebLUIS, and the World Wide Web.
• To conduct thoughtful research on the relationship between scientific and literary discourse in the nineteenth century.
• To develop oral presentation skills.
• To write a well-focused, well-organized research paper.

• To share our work with our colleagues, broadening each other's awareness of the nineteenth century world that we are exploring.

Assignment Summary

This assignment is research-based, leading to a 15-20 minute presentation and a final paper (approx 10 pages). You will be selecting one of three approaches:

• Analysis of a Scientist's "Literary" Dimensions
• Analysis of a Literary Author's Explorations of/Uses of/Reactions to Science
• Another approach that may be a hybrid of the first two

• Close reading of texts (your analysis should be informed by, and supported by, effectively-chosen evidence from novels, poems, scientific tracts, and so on)
• Firm grounding in research (your analysis should be "built" on a researched groundwork--what others have said about the texts you have chosen and the context of "science and literature")
• Analysis that extends beyond the research (you should be developing your own ideas in the context of the research you have done--making your own contribution in the light of contributions made by others)
• Effective synthesis of these elements (your research, your detailed reading of the novel, and your big idea/main claim should be effectively synthesized into a working whole that is accessible to your listeners/readers)

Timeline:

By Sept 26  Turn in a prospectus or statement of your research plan (one page), with a bibliography of at least twelve sources (not annotated).

By October 10 Meet with me to discuss your project and refine the plan in the light of your reading to date.

By November 17  Meet with me to "conference" a draft of your research presentation/paper and to walk thru your presentation plans.

November 21/28/Dec 5  Present your research to the class.

December 10 Turn in the final paper.
 
 

"Required elements" for presentation:

• Overview--what led to this work, and where did it lead.
• Statement of your claim or thesis--the core of your argument
• Discussion of the support for your claim, including research and close reading elements
• Some visuals must be used (Web Pages, Powerpoint, or Handouts).
• A presentation outline and a copy of your Works Cited page must be prepared and shared with the class.