Short Research Papers
As you know by now from your STW class, writing a college research paper involves finding original research from credible academic sources.
While we still have some works of literature to read before the end of the term, much of our focus will turn towards preparing you to write a short academic research paper.Today's reading (please write an agenda item as you would for any other assigned reading):
Short Research PapersIn addition, come to class today with a topic for your short research paper (which should examine one or more works we have discussed in class, or possibly a topic related to a language concept we have discussed).
We will discuss turning your topic into a research question, which is a step on the way to coming up with a thesis statement.
Things to avoid in a thesis statement in a literary research paper:
The Obvious
The Wishy-Washy
The Vague
The Obvious
- Flannery O'Connor uses imagery of good and evil in order to define her characters.
- T.S. Eliot uses mythological symbols in his poetry.
The Wishy-Washy
- In Shakespeare's Merry Wives of Windsor, is Falstaff a villain or a victim?
- There are two possible ways of looking at the male characters in Susan Glaspell's Trifles.
The Vague
- While some people may say Prufrock is weak and unsympathetic, in fact he is a psychologically deep character who suffers nobly.
- People who sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at sporting events should take the time to learn more about the history of Francis Scott Key's famous poem.
"She is offering specific comments on complex issues, not bumper-sticker slogans and sweeping generalizations [...]"
http://blogs.setonhill.edu/JessieFarine/2008/04/fluff_and_stuff.html
This particular title may be long-winded, but I can say that it won't be rescinded!
http://blogs.setonhill.edu/MadelynGillespie/2008/04/sweep_off_those_stickies_for_a.html
“Start with the readings, but don't pad your paper with summary.”
http://blogs.setonhill.edu/AngelicaGuzzo/2008/04/too_much_information.html
http://blogs.setonhill.edu/KayleyDardano/2008/04/you_probably_wont_get_an.html
Oh snap!
http://blogs.setonhill.edu/AngelaPalumbo/2008/04/guilty_as_charged.html
"Simplify. Most first drafts are about 50% deadwood."
http://blogs.setonhill.edu/EthanShepley/2008/04/it_is_clear_that_i_am_awful_at.html
But fluff is so nice!
“If you are like most students writing a short paper, you will stare at the computer screen for a while until you come up with a title. Then you will pick your way through your topic, offering an extremely broad introduction…You might also type in a few long quotations that you like. After writing fluff for a page or two, you will eventually hit on a fairly good idea” (Jerz, Short Research Papers).
http://blogs.setonhill.edu/GretaCarroll/2008/04/welcoming_in_the_newa_good_ide.html
"You probably won't get an A, because you're still subkitting two pages of fluff; but you will get credit for recognizing whatever you actually did accomlish." (Short Research Papers)
"At the very least, you ought to rewrite your title and introduction to match your conclusion" (Short Research Papers).
http://blogs.setonhill.edu/AllisonHall/2008/04/introducing_the_conclusion.html
Sarcasm in advice form. It helps you out, and makes you chuckle!
http://blogs.setonhill.edu/StephanieWytovich/2008/04/sarcasm-in-advice-form-i-love-it.html
http://blogs.setonhill.edu/TiffanyGilbert/2008/04/it_is_clear_thati_am_writing_a.html#comments
This is my blurb, for further information click here ^
Because you love research papers:
http://blogs.setonhill.edu/LaurenMiller/2008/04/so_you_start_out_with_this_rea.html
"A short research paper assigned in the first month of class is not the proper occasion for you to tackle huge issues, such as, "Was Hamlet Shakespeare's Best Tragedy?" or "Women's Struggle for Equality." You won't be graded down simply because you don't have all the answers right away. The trick is to zoom in on one tiny little part of the argument."
-From Dr. Dennis Jerz "Short Research Papers" (online work, 1998)
http://blogs.setonhill.edu/EricaGearhart/2008/04/one_tiny_little_problem.html
You know this wasn't that......OMG WHAT?! I LOVE PIZZA!!
http://blogs.setonhill.edu/DeanaKubat/2008/04/concentration_concentrationohh.html
"MLA style encourages you to expend fewer words introducing your sources, and more words developing your own ideas."
http://blogs.setonhill.edu/JulianaCox/2008/04/no_more_quotes.html
* You start with one idea, you test it, and you hit on something better.
* You might end up somewhere unexpected. If so, that's good -- it means you learned something.
http://blogs.setonhill.edu/KaitlinMonier/2008/04/trial_and_error_in_paper_writi.html
Mental note for future blog that I am putting on this page as a reminder because I will inevitably forget what I was thinking when I read this if I don't.....Zooming in on topics can sometimes lead to redundancy
http://blogs.setonhill.edu/RichelleDodaro/2008/04/who_did_what.html