British Literature Research Paper Topics
DUE: March 13, 2015
Pick one of the following topics to write a 5-7 page MLA format research paper. Include a minimum of 5 sources of research.
1.Jack the Ripper research paper- Although Jack the Ripper was not the first serial killer, he still remains one of the most infamous. His fame is partly due to the extensive press coverage that he received in Victorian England, and his crimes remain unsolved to this day. Your task is to research the suspects believed to be Jack the Ripper and “solve” the mystery of his identity. In your paper you must cite specific evidence from your research to back up your claim. WARNING: You will find some gruesome details during your research if you select this option.
2.Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood research paper- First, research the beliefs of the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood. Next, select a work of art by a Pre-Raphaelite artist and write an analysis of it. You will also need to research information specific to the work of art you select.
3.Victorian technology informative research paper- There were many important advancements in technology during the Victorian period. Research one specific invention and write an informative essay that discusses the development of that invention and the impact of that invention on society.
4.Literary analysis research essay- Select one Victorian or Romantic poem from our textbook and write a literary analysis of it. Research and incorporate background information about the author, the time period, and literary criticism about the poem itself. Develop a specific thesis statement and back up that thesis with specific evidence from the poem.
5. English Colonization research paper—The British have colonized areas on every continent on Earth (yes, even Antarctica). Research the causes and effects of British colonization on an area other than the U.S. Map of colonization:
6. Your own research question based on British Literature or language (must be approved by your teacher)
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ALTERNATIVE ASSIGNMENT
This assignment is an option to do first-hand research. This option is available to all students; however, keep in mind that in college you will be expected to know how to write an MLA research paper.
Assignment: You will come up with 10 acts of kindness, perform those acts, and observe the effects of your actions. For each act of kindness, you must type (in 12 point Times New Roman font, double-spaced with an MLA header) and submit the following (use these headings)—
Description (300 words) Describe the act of kindness you have will be completing, and why you have decided to complete this act.
Context (200-300 words): Describe in detail the date, time, and place your completed the act, as well as to whom the act of kindness was directed.
Reflection(300 words): What was the outcome of your act of kindness? Did people react the way you had anticipated that they would? What would you do differently if you could do it all over again? How did you feel afterward? Explain each answer, and include any other relevant reflective thoughts.
*DO NOT TRY TO LIE OR FABRICATE COMPLETION OF ACTS. DOING SO NEGATES THE RESEARCH COMPONENT OF THIS ASSIGNMENT, WHICH VOIDS YOUR GRADE*
Criteria: / Points: / Comments:Manuscript formatting—
All pages are typed in 12 point Times New Roman font, double-spaced, appropriate headings, MLA header on the first page / ______/ 25
Critical thinking—
Depth, complexity, completeness, and thoughtfulness of ideas / ______/30
Organization—
Do ideas flow naturally and logically? Can a reader easily follow the progression of ideas? / ______/ 25
Conventions—
Are there errors in grammar, spelling, and/or punctuation? Is all writing in formal, standard English? / ______/ 20