The final project is a bit complex.  Please read this information carefully and ask plenty of questions, so that you will understand what is expected of you.  There are three parts to this research project, two group efforts and one individual effort.

bulletThe first requires that you and your book group choose  one chapter/story from your novel that is representative of the text.  Your group will give background information and distribute that section to the class before the final presentation. You will, in addition, read each of the group's chapters or story before their "presentation" and be prepared to interact in class discussion.

bulletThe second consists of each book group developing a web resource of information about your book group author. This resource, often called a LitWeb, should include as much information about an author as you can find.

bulletFor the third portion of the project, you will work individually  on  a research paper. Both the paper and the LitWeb will be compiled then added to the SCC website as resources for future students. Please read the information below to help you complete these tasks. Also, be sure to follow the timelines created for you.

Book Chapters

bulletWith your group, select one chapter or story that seems to capture the ideas and themes addressed in the text.  

bulletBe sure to clearly label your selection with author and copyright date, so that when we distribute them to the class, we will avoid copyright infringement.

bulletPrepare to "teach" your chapter to the class during the final week of class. More information will be posted on this activity later.

LitWeb

Use various search engines to help with these tasks. Lycos and Alta Vista will serve you better than an indexing machine like Yahoo. Use the list below to help you compile your site:

bulletAt least three different types of resources on the web (monographs, popular magazines, journal articles, newspaper articles, interviews of experts, government documents, or others.) The sources you use should be recent.

bulletA link to a photo of the author if possible.

bulletLinks which include biographical information and links to various sites which contain work by the author.

bulletLinks to as many reviews as you can find of the book you are reading for your book group. Reviews of other work by the author.

 

LitWebs by others:

http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/english/ms-writers/

http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~daniel/amlit/amlit.html

http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~natasha/316/316syllabus.html

Research Paper 

The research paper is traditional in nature. Please use a handbook to help with formatting and process.

bulletThe final paper should be four to six pages in length.

bulletIt should focus on a comparison and/or contrast of this novel or book of stories and at least two other works we have studied this quarter.

bulletYou may focus on: characterization, theme, literary techniques (point-of-view, symbolism, etc.), style of writing, etc.

bulletFocus on an area that interests you and create a thesis that excites you.

bulletIt will be a research paper, so take a chance on doing something interesting, and then use outside support for your ideas.  You will be amazed at the connections you can make.

bulletIf you work this correctly, the information you gather in your LitWeb will fit into your paper; keep that in mind while researching.  

 

  Book Groups  Project Info -- Presentations --  Litweb -- Book Choices

Contents within this site are copyrighted by both the author of essays and/or Jan Strever.
The contents within these pages are solely those of the author and S.C.C.
should not be held responsible.  ©1999-2009
Last revised: November 19, 2009 by Jan Strever -- jstrever@scc.spokane.edu
Personal site:  http://www.js.spokane.wa.us/

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