Answer & Explanation:Making a Case for Your Research
(Annotated Bibliography and Literature Review/Scholarship Synthesis) 3+
pages (not including citations and annotations); 8+ sources (at least
one book)
Purpose:
Your goal is to engage in a thorough understanding of your
research materials in order to develop a thoughtful proposal for your
final paper. At this point, you should narrow down your topic/ideas into
an issue/problem of interest based on a specific field. (You are
welcome to use previous books/articles.) You will first compose an
annotated bibliography containing at least eight sources (three
scholarly!) based on the issue. You will then, in essay form, explain
what the issue is, what scholars are saying about the issue, and what
direction you plan to take based on the current dialogue. Cliche topics
such as stem cell research, euthanasia, abortion rights, globalization,
marijuana legalization, etc. are off limits. Be creative! Your chosen
topic will be subject to my approval.
Details:
Part 1: You first will gather at
least 8 sources that you plan to use for your final project and
summarize them very briefly beneath each citation. At least 3 of these
sources must be scholarlyand you must cite a book. https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/614/01/ (Links to an external site.)
Part 2: Following the bibliography
and annotations, you will consider each source on a holistic level. More
specifically, you will begin by describing your research topic and what
stance you plan on taking in the future (this may serve as your opening
for the larger project, so choose your position carefully). Then, you
will place each source in a dialogue of sorts: Which sources make
similar claims? What other sources attempt to refute these claims? When
were the sources published? Has the academic opinion on the issue
changed or remained static throughout the years? What sources do you
find the most valuable? The main point of this assignment
is to demonstrate thorough examination of your sources, and, most
importantly, emphasize a specific and unique direction and impending
argument for your own work. This
assignment is meant for you to get a complete idea of the scholarship
on your topic so that you will be fully prepared to write your own
argument for the final research paper! (We will go over this in greater
detail after the annotations portion of your assignment is complete.)
While you are looking for sources and narrowing down your research topics, you will be required to meet with me in KE 252 so
that we can make sure your topic is manageable, sources are viable, and
generally touch base on your progress through the course. You will sign
up for a time. If you fail to show up, you will be counted absent. Please arrive on time and come with sources, annotations drafted, and questions!
Rubric:
Introduction
Clear and engaging (10) Demonstrates a solid, specific direction for research (10)
Synthesis/Research Overview
Situates each source in dialogue (10) Proves insightful analysis (15) Engaging tone (5)
Conclusion
Expresses next step for research (10) Thoughtfully situates own research into existing field (5)
Annotations
Includes at least 8 sources 3 must be scholarly (5) Includes at least 1 book (5) Critically examines each source (10) Correctly cited (5)
Formatting
MLA Style (you wont need an extra Works Cited page for this if you have a correct annotated bibliography attached) (5) Clarity/surface issues (5)(i already have my sources and annotations done just need help with the paper.)
