ENGL&102 (Jewell) – Research Project – Annotated Bibliography and Abstract
Project proposal/research question due June 5
Annotated bibliography and abstract due June 17
This quarter, we have conducted a brief inquiry into dystopian literature. Our inquiry began with questions of what literature is and does, and how we might approach analysis of it, through our discussions about literary theory. We then read three dystopian novels and two short stories, as well as several pieces of supplementary writing, while also referencing some popular dystopian stories with which we have various degree of familiarity. Discussions surrounding these texts have been illuminating, and now it is time to imagine taking control of the inquiry yourself, finding some question related to our study and conducting research into the question. You may choose to look specifically at dystopian literature (in any form, including films) and literary theory, or pursue some more tangentially related question; our discussions touched on technology, politics, personal agency, and gender and interpersonal relationships, just to scratch the surface.
This assignment asks you to imagine that you have been assigned an 8-10 page research paper, which is a typical length for upper-division classes especially, though you will not be writing the paper for this project. You should make sure your topic is narrow enough to explore in a hypothetical 8-10 page research paper.
Your research project will include development of a research question, focused research into that question, and the creation of an annotated bibliography of 6 sources, at least two of which must be scholarly (as opposed to popular) sources, and at least two of which must primary(as opposed to secondary) sources (for the purposes of this assignment, one of your primary sources may be research you conduct yourself, such as an interview or survey). These sources may not draw from class readings, though you may consider class readings in reflecting on your sources and within your abstract.
Your MLA annotated bibliography, which we will cover in detail in future class meetings, will include an MLA citation for each source, plus a three-part (3-5 sentences each) annotation: summary of the source, assessment of the source, and reflection on how the source could be used and/or how it fits into the rest of your research. You will also prepare a one-page abstract that summarizes your research and poses a potential thesis statement from the research that could be used for a research paper on your chosen topic.
To prepare for our research, we will meet with an NSCC Librarian on June 4 for an orientation about library resources.
Annotated bibliography should be single-spaced, 12 pt Times New Roman, 1” margins. Your abstract will function as a cover page, and should be 1-3 paragraphs, single-spaced, and include a proposed thesis statement. Please include your name, the date, and your class section in the upper left hand corner of the abstract page, and include your name on each page of the annotated bibliography.
Grading Rubric
Process (research question, formatting) 10 pts
Summary of sources 20 pts
Assessment of sources 20 pts
Reflection on use of sources 20 pts
One-page abstract 20 pts
Spelling/grammar/punctuation and MLA style 10 pts
TOTAL 100 pts