ELL 305, semester I

Course instructor Assoc. Prof. Carmen Dutu, PhD

Final term paper suggestions and requirements

Essay topic suggestions. Choose one type of research essay format and propose a theme.

Type A. Making connections (thematic approach). Choose two plays with similar themes such as madness, love and
relationships, power, madness, the supernatural, the tragic hero, a.s.o and discuss how Shakespeare treats the topic.

Type B. Close reading/Analysis. Choose a play from the ones discussed in class and analyze the use of symbols and
how they relate to the larger themes of the text.

Type C. Character analysis. You will analyze a character using specific examples from the text to support your claim.
You will delve into either 3 different traits that the character exhibits and support each with examples from the text, or
analyze the character and his/her connection to the story.

Essay requirements:

1. An introduction that provides context on the topic, eases reader into your essay, and has a hook that grabs people’s
attention
2. A thesis statement or controlling idea that takes an interpretive stand on the text or an aspect of the text
3. Transitional topic sentences that are clear. Provocative and develop your thesis and provide unity into your essay
4. Body paragraphs that are focused and help prove your argument
Plenty of support (quoting) from the text
5. You will also need to reference the secondary research from your pay. You must reference a minimum of 4
articles/secondary texts on the play(s).
6. Some analysis of all your supporting examples and/or quotes
7. A conclusion that looks backward to explain the evidence you presented and forward to what you want the reader to
take away from your paper
8. Strong sentences that are both grammatically correct and sophisticated.
9. No plagiarism (copy-paste) of the internet information.
10. Use proper MLA in-text citations and Works Cited entries

Paper format

1. 6 to 8 pages, including bibliography (1800 words to 2000 words)

2. All drafts must be typed and double-spaced
3. Size 12 Times New Roman
4. Name, Class, Date and number in upper left hand corner
5. Last name and page number in top right corner of every page
6. The title on the first page

Formal essay specifications:

- no use of the first person

- no contractions (don’t) and non-standard abbreviations
- correctly spelled words
- no grammatical errors
- when writing about literature, assume the audience (and the examiner) has read the work! Do not retell the story!!!

The paper is due in the 15-20 December week, during class, printed format.
No overdue is allowed.
The written research paper is 20% of the overall course grade.