Introduction
In your study of
American Literature, you have become acquainted briefly with a multitude of
American authors and their works. Now you will become an expert by researching
one author thoroughly to learn more about his/her life, works, and writing
style.
Task
You will type a 3-4 page documented research paper
describing the life and accomplishments of one American author.
Process
-
You
will be required to have the following: 3x5 note cards, Research Handbook,
and school login access.
-
Choose
the name of an American author to research.
-
Use the
Big 6 research method to help in this project.
-
Brainstorm (write down) a list of questions you need to answer about your
chosen author in order to write your paper. Questions should revolve around
these 4 areas:
·
family background
·
the titles of major works and writing style
·
criticism by others
·
synopsis of one major work by this author
-
Brainstorm (write down) a list of all possible sources where you could find
these answers.
-
Brainstorm (write down) a list of keywords to use in searching indexes, table
of contents, OPAC, and the Internet.
-
In the
library, look for these sources:
--in the reference section in regular encyclopedias,
800-820 American Literature section, and 920 Collective Biography section
--in the nonfiction 800-820 American Literature
section
--in the biography
section
--on the OPAC
-
On the
internet, use these suggested web sites:
Thomson Gale Database under Reference on the IHS Library Web page (ask for
password) and search these first three databases:
Literature Resource Center
Scribner Writers Series
The Twayne Authors series
American Authors on the Web
American Authors (I)
American Authors (II)
Perspectives in American Literature
American Literature on the Web
OR try one of these online encyclopedias
or the Biographical Dictionary on:
IHS
Library web page
-
You
will need to find and copy information from at least 3 different sources for
this research paper. They must include at least one print source, one Thomas
Gale database source, and one online source. Copy the complete pages of
information and the title page of the book and staple to the source.
-
Make
3x5 bibliography cards for each source you find according to instructions
given in class and turn in.
-
Type a
works cited page (not included in the 3-4 research pages) at the end of the
report citing all the sources you used to write your paper. Use
NoodleTools to help with your works cited. Under Free Tools, click on
NoodleBib MLA Starter.
-
Read
the source, highlight important information, and write note cards of answers
to questions you previously wrote. Use the form for note cards according to
instructions given in class. You will need to turn in at least 30+ 3x5 note
cards.
-
Write a
tentative outline and turn in.
-
Using
at least 3 sources, organize your note cards to make sure you include
information about the author’s childhood and family background, his/her
writing style and titles of major works, criticism by others, and synopsis of
one major work by this author.
-
Write a
thesis sentence for your research paper and turn in.
-
Type an
outline of your research paper including only major points and turn in.
-
Type
the rough draft in 3-4 pages, double-spaced, Times Roman, 12 point, using
regular margins and turn in.
-
Edit
and correct the rough draft to fine-tune the final research paper.
-
Turn in
the final research paper in the following order: Title page, outline, final
copy, and works cited in the brads of a pocket folder. Include copies of your
sources in the back pocket.
Evaluation
You will receive 1 major test grade and 6 daily
grades for this project. The final paper counts as your 6 weeks test grade. The
major test grade will be for the final report. The 6 daily grades will be for
1) the bibliography cards, 2) the note cards, 3) the thesis, 4) the outline, 5)
the rough draft, and 6) the self-evaluation.
The following due dates will be followed:
-topics—August 15
-works cited—August 22
-note cards—August 29
-outline—August 31
-rough draft—September 12
-final copy—September 19
Early papers are accepted, but no late papers will
be accepted. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Conclusion
At the end of this project you will become an expert
on one of the major American authors and better understand his/her contributions
to American literature.
Credits
Mark Twain photo courtesy of
CPTV.
revised
8/12/05
