TOPICS:

Write an argumentative research essay exploring the "Role of Monsters." This research can focus on one specific monster, genre-specific monsters, or some combination thereof. The paper should be organized around a thesis statement that specifically addresses the role of monsters in terms of cultural influence or impact. Broad topics for this assignment include those we've discussed in class, such as gender roles, or perhaps the problem of power, or leadership, or communal relations, or individuality, and so on. With a topic chosen that provides an interpretive context, you would then use that context as a lens to focus your analysis and direct your research, interrogating how the monster reveals, troubles, complicates, or reinforces a specific idea. In other words, make explicit the implicit message this monster has about your subject or theme (which you will uncover through analysis). You should, moreover, avoid simply listing significant interactions of the monstrous and your chosen topic, and instead should give room to consider the complexity of the monstrous as represented within your interpretive context. In doing so, your thesis will, by necessity, evolve, informed by research and analysis.

You can choose any monster story

Format and Requirements:

-Length: 6-10 pages, 2500-3000 words
-MLA format
-Works Cited Page

Some ways of using your sources:

1. To back up a point you are making

2. To give the author's idea about the topic

3. To expand/support a point you've made

4. To introduce an alternative point

5. To develop a related point

6. To provide background information (on issue, place, other research, etc.)

Criteria:

1. You need to have a clear, argumentative thesis

2. Develop your argument/prove your point effectively

3. Make your sentences active (think about the authors and readers doing something to the text)

4. Follow the PIE construction for each paragraph

5. Write an interesting introduction/conclusion

6. Follow the MLA format for research papers

7. Incorporate quotations correctly and use good/credible sources

8. Give your essay an interesting and relevant title

9. Meet the length requirement

10. Pay attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation

Sources:

For this paper, you will need to use at least five (5) critical sources & two (2) should be scholarly sources, relevant to your topic.