Analysis Paper
An analysis paper is a close reading/analysis of a topic covered in this class. This is not a summary or book report; instead, you will choose 1 aspect of the humanities as a whole (a historical event, an invention, an architectural work, a work of art, a piece of music, a literary work, a philosophical idea, etc) and examine some aspect of it and its cultural significance (ie: How it is still important/impactful on us today). (This part is key!)
This paper should employ a tone that is appropriate to its subject matter, audience, and assignment. It must include scholarly analysis of the subject.
Assignment:
What you choose is (almost) entirely up to you* (see below for exceptions).
Requirements:
- Use proper essay format (see your syllabus and the Writing Conventions handout in the Notes folder)
- Use appropriate diction (no slang, swearing, etc). Consider your audience.
- Use at least 4 scholarly sources (library databases, books, etc.) Absolutely no About.com, Ask.com, Wikipedia, etc. None of these are scholarly. If they are used/cited in your paper, your paper will earn an automatic zero.
- Write 5-6 pages (absolutely no less than 5!) (This does not include your works cited page; 5-6 pages of actual text please)
- Include a properly formatted Works Cited page (in MLA format only) and internal documentation
- Refer to corrections on Paper 2 to avoid repeating errors.
- Do not write on a topic you have already written about this summer. No double-dipping.
Objectives:
- Select and analyze a concept, event, or text
- Interpret in a meaningful way
- Develop and demonstrate further understanding through close and active reading
- Demonstrate in-depth critical thinking
Please do not write on the following topics. They are too broad for this assignment.
o Any of the wars of the 20th century
o The Holocaust (or Adolph Hitler)
o Stalin's purges
o The October Revolution
o Papers on the invention of the cellphone are neither creative nor unique.
o Biographies don't work out well for this assignment. I'd think again on that topic.
If you're unsure about your topic, let's talk about it before you begin writing on it, and I'm happy to discuss it with you.