The Research Paper

Purpose:

Students will learn to research a work of art and write a research paper.  Using skills learned throughout the semester (incorporating quotes, summarizing, writing a thesis, using MLA format, etc.), students will incorporate summarized and directly quoted material from at least five (5) sources into an organized thesis essay.

Description:

In a small group, you and other students will research, write, and read your research paper to the class.

Your group will choose and research a topic, organize your material, and present your information in a well developed, carefully organized, and properly documented research paper. 

Narrow your focus to a particular work of art.  Using one of the methodologies discussed in class, help your readers gain a better understanding and appreciation of the work of art. Be sure that you understand the information so well that you can explain it in your own words.  Consider your audience: fellow students who are in your class.  And don’t forget that plagiarism is cause for failure

Directions:

Choose your partners carefully.  Consider work schedules, shared interests, and compatibility. 

Your next task is to narrow the topic to a work of art and one or two methodologies. 

Then start researching your narrowed subject and writing your information on note cards, which will make this collaborative assignment much easier for all of you. 

Using the skills you've learned in your previous writing assignments, state your thesis, outline your information, organize your note cards, and start writing.

You might find that you need to do more research or that the essay comes together rather quickly.  In any case, be sure to revise and edit your work carefully.  And keep in mind that you’ll be presenting your research paper to the class.