Women’s Literature Research Paper Assignment
Assignment Title: Research Paper: Exploring Themes in Women’s Literature
Assignment Overview: For this assignment, you will write a research paper that explores a key theme, issue, or concept related to the works of women’s literature we have studied in class and connect the commentary within the literature to contemporary societal issues, exploring how the themes remain relevant or resonate in today’s world.
Your paper should provide a critical analysis of the chosen text(s), demonstrate a clear argument, and incorporate scholarly research to support your claims. This assignment encourages you to engage deeply with the texts and to explore how they reflect, critique, or subvert traditional narratives about gender, identity, and society.
In order to develop a thesis statement, it often helps to consider your thesis as an answer to a question. So, your thesis should answer the following question: What key theme, issue, or concept is expressed in the chosen piece of literature, and how is the theme within the literature connected to a contemporary societal issue? How is the theme still relevant or how does it resonate in today’s world?
Objective:
• To analyze and interpret literary texts through a critical lens
• To construct a clear, argumentative thesis statement
• To incorporate scholarly sources to support analysis
• To develop academic research and writing skills
Paper Requirements:
1. Length: 5-7 pages (not including Works Cited page), double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins.
2. Sources: A minimum of 3 scholarly sources (journal articles, books, book chapters, not including the literature itself). You may also include non-scholarly sources (such as reputable news articles), but these will not count towards the minimum requirement.
3. Citation Style: MLA format (in-text citations and Works Cited page)
Instructions:
1. Select Your Text(s): Choose one of the assigned readings from the syllabus.
2. Choose a Topic: Select a theme or issue from the works of women’s literature we’ve studied. Some possible topics might include:
o The construction of female identity and autonomy
o Women’s health
o Gender roles and societal expectations
o Representation of race, class, and/or sexuality as it relates to gender roles
3. Connect to a current issue: Conduct research/consider how the issue is still relevant in society today.
o Locate scholarly sources that provide critical analysis or context for your chosen text(s). Use databases such as JSTOR, Project MUSE, and Google Scholar.
o Make sure your sources are reputable and academic. Avoid non-scholarly websites (blogs, Wikipedia, etc.).
o Take notes and ensure that you have a mix of direct quotes and paraphrased ideas to support your argument.
4. Create and Submit an Annotated Bibliography: See details on Blackboard
5. Create a Thesis Statement:
o Develop a clear, specific, and arguable thesis that answers your research question. Your thesis should guide the rest of your paper.
6. Draft Your Paper:
o Introduction: Start with a hook to engage the reader, introduce your topic and text(s), and present your thesis statement.
o Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence, provide textual evidence, incorporate scholarly research, and include analysis. Be sure to explain how your evidence supports your thesis.
o Conclusion: Summarize your key points, restate your thesis in a new way, and reflect on the broader significance of your analysis. Consider implications for understanding women’s literature or contemporary gender issues.
7. Use MLA In-Text Citations and Create a Works Cited Page:
o Ensure you properly cite all sources within your paper, including the primary text(s) and any secondary scholarly sources.
o Your Works Cited page should list all sources in alphabetical order, following MLA format guidelines.
Please Use the peom “Still I Rise” By maya Angelou and how it relates to Issues that African American Still face today In the United States.