Guidelines for papers

Eng 3377-001 Tpc-African-American Literature Guidelines for papers
Length 5-7 pages double-spaced, not counting the Works Cited page, stapled
Modern Language Format (MLA)

Use two secondary sources, along with the play(s), poems you are writing about
The paper should have a clear thesis statement. It often helps to state the thesis in one sentence as an argument. Theme X is evident in Zora Neale Hurston’s THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD.” I would like you to find a theme that exists in the works that you find compelling. Your paper in essence is an answer to the word “because.” You want to show evidence from the text and outside sources that a particular theme exists. If you prefer you can also compare and contrast two characters or themes that are similar, but occur in two different texts. One thing I am particular about is that I want you to present details from the text to support your argument that a particular theme exists. It’s a good idea to try to complicate the thesis a bit too. For example, perhaps you are interested in the theme of Madonna/Whore depictions of women. Beyond merely stating that the theme exists in the play or plays, you can argue that such depictions of women challenged the patriarchy of the day or you can argue that they reinforced it. However, you want to make sure that you don’t go too broad with a thesis. An example of this might be if you choose to write about a general theme such as suffering or internalized racism. You would want to narrow your focus. Who suffers in the plays and why specifically they are suffering and what effect does this have on an audience of readers. Similarly who deals with internalized racism and is the manner in which a character deals with it questioned or left to stand. Be careful about making generalized arguments without offering specific support or evidence. Also, make sure you clarify why the specific passages or plot events do support your argument. One thing you want to avoid is merely listing passages or events and assuming the reader will understand your point of view. Avoid quoting lengthy passages.

You may be interested in approaching a text or texts from a theoretical perspective (argument) such as Marxism, feminism, post-structuralism, new-historicism etc. I would narrow down the focus though to some particular Marxist thought/sentiment in the book rather than trying to cover too much in a short paper. I’d much rather see a well-developed argument with concepts that propel forth the argument in each paragraph, than a loosely connected broad concept paper. Avoid merely relying on excessive quotes from sources. I want to hear your voice in the paper.

Evaluation criteria:
Thesis statement
Organized and tightly unified paragraphs
Detailed specifics that support your claim, avoid sweeping generalizations and logical fallacies
Proper use of Modern Language Association format/Works Cited pages and in-text citations
Grammar, mechanics, overall organization
Thoughtfulness and originality (don’t merely repeat what’s been said in class unless you are adding something original to it)
12 pt. font, New Times Roman
Do not email me your paper unless I have specifically said it is okay to do so!
Staple your paper before coming to class.
Late papers will be deducted one letter grade a day. suggest utilizing the MLA Bibliography and other online databases offered by the university library to find articles that relate to your theme/argument. There is a writing center on campus that can help you with MLA formatting for a research paper.