Our task, collectively, will be to discern our person’s influence while also accounting for the areas of influence that may be considered under-rated. The topic will be the thesis of your research paper.
Remember my example of a two sentence, divisive and arguable thesis….
Despite the social madness that was “Beatlemania,” the influence of these four young musicians from Liverpool goes beyond its social significance. The Beatles lasting contributions to rock ‘n’ roll are more clearly seen in their song-writing and album production.
This thesis evinces the extra step I am hoping for you to take by NOT ONLY discussing the author’s two most significant influential offerings, but also by explaining and debunking their social significance.
The project will allow you a minute glimpse in to the awesome power of some of America’s greatest personalities. From politics to entertainment, literature to science, sports to activism…Nobel Peace Prize winners will square off against Academy Award winners. Cy Young Award winners will take on Pulitzer Prize winners in a Battle Royale of American influence waged right in our classroom.
This odyssey will allow you to unlock some of America’s most exciting minds. Analyze some of our country’s defining moments and key players. You will have a unique opportunity to critique valor on the battlefield, in the boardroom or on the stage.
BUT BE SURE TO CRITIQUE…this is not a REPORT! You must include your own arguments about the person’s influence.
Research Essay: Craft a well-developed argument, shape that argument into a good thesis. Remember you are trying to prove influence, not fame or importance. Back your argument with a combination of fact and opinion. Devise claims for your argument based on the different types of appeals. Make sure your sources are credible. Be sure the paper adheres to Hacker guidelines for research (either MLA and APA style).
To get started, develop your research questions. Start to narrow your focus on specific aspects of your person you will choose to focus on. The more you fail to focus on aspects and fall to the entire individual, the more you will run the risk of writing a REPORT, not a PAPER. Find your angle.
Do lots of PRELIMINARY research (here's where your wikipedias and Googles and all of the crummy sites you WILL NOT include in your "works cited" come into play.
Once you have gained good isnight, THEN turn to the OHS databases and Google scholars to find CREDIBILTY of thrid party sources.
Based on this research, refine your thesis into a clear, arguable thesis (or answer to your research question).
Put your essay together in three parts: intro, body, conclusion/ must be at least 7 pages
Intro: Include a personal introduction (2 to 3 paragraphs taken from your last essay if it works the way I envisioned it) that explains your connection to this topic and introduces your essay.
End this introductory section with your thesis (or answer to your research question).
Body: Background (the who, what, when and where of your topic)
Then specific paragraphs of support for your thesis. Present information and a few quotations from your sources to support your thesis.
• All information taken from sources needs to be cited (not just quotations)
• Use MLA system of in-text citations (see your Rules for Writers)
• Use quotations sparingly. Better to summarize information in your own sentences and phrasing. Introduce all quotations with signal phrases
• Each paragraph should have a topic sentence and show unity.
• Each paragraph will contain at least two citations identifying where you got your information.
• This is your chance to SHINE on the fact that our multiple revisions have not been a total waste.
• Include a formal Works Cited page, following the models I show in class and the MLA style sample in your Rules for Writers.Rubric is attached! This paper will be a huge grade for BOTH courses. A double test in English (read: make or break MP4). Be diligent and discerning, please. Do not hesitate to ask questions. DO NOT CHEAT! DO NOT PLAGARIZE! DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! We will spend the balance of the course intermittently discussing research strategies and techniques.
Paper is due Wednesday, May 25th
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