The English Concentration 
in the Liberal Studies Degree 

For this assignment, write an out-of-class research essay, approximately 2000-2500 words in length (about 8-10 double spaced pages) with at least 7 pieces of substantial research, that analyzes one of the works of literature discussed in class.  (See below for research requirements.) The topic of this essay will be your own to develop but should come from our classroom discussion;  the essay that you turn in must be written for this class to answer this assignment (no duplication of papers is allowed in any classes in the English program!).  Please discuss your topic with me early on and, as soon as possible, begin to show me drafts of your essay.  During our conferences, I will make a substantial number of critical comments about the major elements of your essay for you to consider in your writing process;  please note that it generally takes several drafts before an essay has a focused thesis and good development (basic requirements for a “C” essay).  You must participate in the workshops for this essay in order to get credit for the essay.

You will need to follow all guidelines for good essay writing to receive a satisfactory or average grade (a “C”):  
--an informative and interesting title
--an informative lead-in
--a clear, focused thesis
--good development in the body of the essay (i.e., the most important passages from the work[s] that you are analyzing in both quotation and paraphrase form [40%], as well as your own prose explication of those passages [40%], and correct citation of several sources relevant to the author, text, or context [20%])
--unity
--coherence
--a well thought out, non-repetitive conclusion
--only minor errors in mechanics, grammar, spelling, and MLA documentation and citation. 

To receive a higher grade, you will need to have a very strong thesis (a tight focus presented clearly) with strong development (a strong choice of passages with concise yet detailed and thoughtful analysis of those passages with research that is extremely pertinent and well used) and especially strong unity and coherence;  in addition, you can have virtually no errors in documenting and citing your primary and secondary sources and in mechanics, grammar, and spelling.  I will check all your quoted passages and all your citations for correctness (use MLA internal documentation with a Works Cited page).

Your research must be substantial (no reference works) and must include:
--at least 3 articles (from journals or collections of essays)
--at least 3 books
--using a total of 7 pieces of substantial research
--at least 3 of these works must have been published in the 1990s.  
Please xerox and turn in copies of research material with your essay:
--for books--title page and copyright page, pages quoted from or heavily referred to
--for articles under 15 pages--entire article plus source information
--for articles over 15 pages--title page plus referenced pages and source information.  
On the xeroxes, clearly mark any passages that you quote in your essay.

Your paper must be an original essay written for this class;  plagiarism will result in a failing grade. The essay must be submitted in a folder at the beginning of the class meeting on which it is due;  please underline your thesis and your topic sentences on your final draft.