Research Paper Guidelines

English 402
Dr. Lewis
Shakespeare and Film
Research Paper Guidelines
The Human Condition

A considerable percentage of your final grade rests on the literary research paper. The product should an academically challenging, insightful, thought-provoking, well-articulated paper. The exploration process, in which students will immerse themselves in a critical study of their chosen topic, will consist of vigorous research and assessment of various resources, including literary theory, character analysis, and documentary evidence, both from the plays (film and print) and from the Elizabethan Era.

The purpose of the assignment: to explore the idea of the human condition as it relates to a specific topic area in at least two(2) of the plays and corresponding film adaptations.

The paper is a literary research paper; thus, it SHOULD NOT be a biography of William Shakespeare’s life (which we covered at the beginning of the semester and in the Midterm examination), a summary of the Elizabethan Era in general, nor a “character study” of a character from one of the plays. Any of these approaches would be deemed an inappropriate research paper topic area. However, a “character study” of one of the characters, drawing on the theoretical framework of the course might be acceptable, i.e. Richard III as a Machiavel, who is, therefore, representative of the human condition/human nature’s moral decay, would be appropriate.

Since this class is titled, Shakespeare and Film, you must incorporate theatrical perspectives in your topic focus. As an example, if your topic focus is Shakespeare’s use of the supernatural as an insight into the human psyche/the human condition, you must do a close examination of a few plays, as well as an interpretation of how filmmakers handle the challenge of depicting the supernatural as it relates to/as it is representative of the human condition on film.

Guidelines for Literary Research Paper:
1. Get topic approval from Professor.
2. The paper should be a minimum of 10 (ten) pages, using MLA format. In addition, a Works Cited page is required, with a minimum of 7 (seven) academically acceptable sources. Optional: include a Works Consulted page.
3. Be sure to CITE the plays (quote, summarize, paraphrase) in correct MLA format.
4. Since you must use the films as sources in your argument, you must CITE them on your Works Cited page.
5. AVOID too much summary of the plays (i.e. the plot of the plays).
6. AVOID using the World Wide Web. CRC’s library resources (Lois database) are strongly suggested—you are sure to find a wealth of information on ANY topic focus.
7. Consider one of the topic areas from the Journals, Discussions, or Midterm Study Guide as a possible focus.
8. Remember, this is an ARGUMENT, not a report; thus, your thesis statement must have an argumentative edge. Example: Although the mystical has been considered by many cultures as having connections to evil forces, William Shakespeare shows that the supernatural could possibly be an essential component in examining the human condition and illuminating truth.