Assignment: The research requirement for Grade 12 English is a researched persuasive paper in connection to a work of literature. You may choose a topic from the list below, modify a topic suggestion from the list, or generate your own topic for research. The only topic requirement is that you use The Stranger by Albert Camus as your main text for analysis. The end-product will incorporate research and/or criticism to make a persuasive point about the novel. The final paper must include proper MLA documentation for all borrowed words, phrases and ideas.
Step 1: Choose a topic – and do some initial research – make sure there are enough reliable sources out there. Develop an essential question to guide your research and get your question approved (you will likely have a hypothesis at this point but don’t let that stop you from learning).
Step 2: Access reliable sources and take good notes – keep track of all sources in MLA format and print/photo copy all materials. Decide on a thesis statement for your paper and organize your information/ideas in an outline.
Step 3: Compose a first draft, edit, and revise.
Step 4: Turn in a final MLA formatted 8-10 page research paper with all research notes. **The reference pages are not part of the 8-10 page requirement. You are writing a thematic analysis of the novel. You will focus on one topic which may require some research (think about what Albert Camus was trying to say about your topic).
Topic: Racism
What is Albert Camus’s commentary on racism, and how is his perspective developed throughout the novel?
Topic: Religion
Based on Meursault’s character, what might be Albert Camus’s view on Christianity?
Topic: Existentialism
How is the philosophy of Existentialism incorporated into the novel?
Topic: Societal Expectations
What is Albert Camus’s commentary on traditional roles and expectations in society, and how is his point of view developed throughout the novel?
Topic: Literary Analysis
In what ways do the minor characters contribute to the larger, thematic purpose of Camus’s novel?
Topic: Literary Analysis/ Author Research
What aspects of Meursault’s character represent the views of the author?
Step 1 - 30 Points - Follows format of sample: essential question; a brainstorm that illustrates depth of thought.
Step 2 - 100 Points - Outline, notes, and annotated working bibliography. Sample and rubric will be distributed.
Step 3 - 50 Points - First Draft + Peer editing (6 page min.) Sample of Step 3
Step 4 - 220 Points - A folder that contains: Your MLA formatted 8-10 page research paper with all previous steps and annotated articles.
Total: 400 Points
***Any form of deliberate plagiarism will result in loss of credit on all parts of this assignment in addition to administrative action.
Algeria:
Racism:
Religion:
Existentialism:
Societal Expectations:
Justice System
Literary Criticisms:
Author Research: