English Composition 102 - Research Paper-
This essay will be a research assignment. You are being asked to craft an argument—based on our primary novel—and to use carefully conducted research to bolster it. The topic for this essay is completely up to you (though ALL topics must be approved by me).
In our discussions of The House on Mango Street, we have primarily focused on the book’s ability to tackle some of the most controversial issues in our society. This book is considered a Young Adult (YA) novel and has been banned from the curriculum of multiple schools, due to its “controversial” contents. However, some argue that books like The House on Mango Street serve a purpose in our society, as they are optimistic that their inclusion in various curricula may spark much-needed social change. For this assignment, you must pick a “controversial” topic in the book and argue whether or not the book’s portrayal of this issue makes it an effective tool in advocating social change.
Some questions to consider:
Does your research show that your chosen issue is being accurately portrayed in this book?
From your research, do you believe that this book gives readers a reason to care about this issue?
What makes the book effective/ineffective? Perhaps it is an accurate portrayal of a social issue, but where does this stem from (character development, setting, dialogue, etc.)?
How does your issue affect REAL young adults (mentally, emotionally, psychologically, physically, etc.)? Are these effects seen in the novel?
Some potential topics to consider (you can come up with your own topic, but you must get it approved by me!!!):
Toxic masculinity
Poverty
Gender roles/expectations
Puberty/maturity
Race and the “other.”
Many of these topics, as you can probably tell, intersect with one another. Feel free to touch on multiple topics, but keep in mind that you must do so in a way that prevents your essay from reading as multiple distinct arguments.
Assignment Checklist:
Your Name in the top corner
Title
A strong introduction with a clear thesis
Developed Body paragraphs
A strong conclusion
12 pt font
double spaced
4-6 texts referenced
6-8 pages
Proper in text citations (as outlined in class)
works cited page (separate of the 6 pages of writing)
You MUST use our primary novel, The House on Mango Street, and you are required to find a minimum of three (3) scholarly, peer-reviewed secondary sources.
Keep in mind that this assignment is asking for you to use SCHOLARLY sources, meaning that sources such as book reviews, blog entries, news articles, etc. are NOT acceptable. If you have any doubt as to whether your source(s) is/are considered scholarly, do not hesitate to contact me.
DUE DATES:
By the end of class 4/5 Research Paper Proposals
4/12 - Annotated Bibliography with outline in class(use the worksheet provided
4/19- Rough Draft of Research Paper Due on Canvas
5/3 - Final Draft of Research Paper Due on Canvas
Final copies of Formal Out of Class Essays are due on the date indicated by 11:59pm.
Papers will be lowered each day they are late ex. A to A- for one day A to B+ for two etc. If a paper is a full week late it will receive a failing grade.
If you anticipate any need for an extension, you MUST let me know in writing before the due date of the paper via email - emily.kutz@rutgers.edu