Research Paper

A 6-8 page paper on a topic you propose to the instructor. The instructor is available for consultation by email, phone, or in person, and is happy to counsel you on your choice of a topic, drawn from the Romantic era (the 1780s to 1830s). You may write about authors and/or works not on the list of readings. Topics in this area can range over the entire gamut of the era's history, from abolitionism to the Napoleonic wars, themes like heroism, the sublime, domesticity, the celebration of the individual, ecological awareness, drugs and alcohol, music, theater, social practices, and of course literary analyses of particular works of prose or poetry. Write about something that intrigues and motivates you.Proposal: The proposal (one page--or longer if you wish) should consist in 1) a brief description of your project (a paragraph or so) and 2) a short bibliography of secondary sources (five or more citations in MLA form) that you have begun to read, or have gathered, and which provide evidence of potential for research. If you are able to consult and annotate any of these items, that would be good. Otherwise, just turn in the bibliography.

Research Paper: The final product should be at least six pages long (standard margins and twelve point font), with a bibliography in MLA format, employing parenthetical citations per MLA style. Clearly written, with appropriate paragraphing and transitions, your paper should have a thesis that is interesting and engaging.