For your final project, consider the themes we have studied together and propose

For your final project, consider the themes we have studied together and propose a topic to investigate more in depth or in connection to our class.
You will write a 5-7 page essay that includes independent research on the issue of gender in a Latinx context. While you can and should include class readings, you will need to use other sources. You should include at least two secondary sources that you find on your own, in addition to any readings from class. You should reference between 3-5 sources total.
You may choose to focus on a text that we read in class and conduct background research to develop an analysis; or, you may choose primary texts related to class themes of your own. You will then craft a thesis that relates your research to gender and intersectionality.
Students will choose a research topic and share in class for feedback and inspiration. Part of the assignment includes an update on progress on the last day of class.
Subject areas may include art, literature, film, historical events or persons, social movements, or sociological issues. For example
· Latinx Art Movements or Artists
· Latinx Literature as related to a larger social or historical issue (individual books)
· Chicanx Movement
· LGBTQ history, movement, experiences
· Central Americans in the U.S.
· Mental health in Latinx communities
Writing Guidelines: Please note, no late assignments will be accepted unless arrangements are made in advance. All written work should be word-processed, spell checked, and proofread with pages numbered, stapled together, and name listed on each page. Essays should be double-spaced and meet but not exceed length requirements.
1. Use a plain font, 12 point. Leave one-inch margins all the way around the pages. Do not add extra spaces between paragraphs. Follow MLA Style for citations & Works Cited pages. Follow MLA guidelines: MLA_8thEdition
· You should include 3-5 works cited.
· Length: 5-7 page (1300-1500 words)
2. IF it is easier, more familiar for you to use APA, you *may use APA, just check in with profe about it, and indicate (APA) in your Works Cited:
Works Cited (APA): then list titles below
Tips:
Choosing your topic: what themes or readings peaked your interest in class discussion? What is your stake, relationship to topic? Research the topic and then refine the scope of your investigation.
Read the Notes: Read the footnotes about something that strikes you in the reading. Consult the notes and works cited after essays. There are other articles that you can explore to read further on our topic of interest. You might jumpstart your research with materials you already have.
Brainstorm: list ideas and words related to your interest and themes; make outlines or visual graphs to map out and organize your ideas.
Consult thesis statement handout for guidance on how to draft a thorough and clear thesis.
Give your essay an interesting, creative, and (correctly capitalized and spelled) title.
_RECOMMENDED as first step: prepare an annotated bibliography of 3-5 sources
General Annotated Bibliography Information:
https://irsc.libguides.com/mla/annotatedbibliography
More examples go to https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/553/03/. (Go to General Writing; Common Writing Assignments, then Annotated Biblio Samples)
a Bibliography is a list of sources (books, journals, Web sites, periodicals, etc.) one has used for researching a topic.
An annotation is a summary and/or evaluation. Therefore, an annotated bibliography includes a summary and/or evaluation of each of the sources. Depending on your project or the assignment, your annotations may do one or more of the following.
Summarize: Some annotations merely summarize the source. What are the main arguments? What is the point of this book or article? What topics are covered? If someone asked what this article/book is about, what would you say? The length of your annotations will determine how detailed your summary is.
For examples of paraphrasing (vs. summarizing or plagiarizing): https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/563/02/
Assess: After summarizing a source, it may be helpful to evaluate it. Is it a useful source? How does it compare with other sources in your bibliography? Is the information reliable? Is this source biased or objective? What is the goal of this source?
Reflect: Once you’ve summarized and assessed a source, you need to ask how it fits into your research. Was this source helpful to you? How does it help you shape your argument? How can you use this source in your research project? Has it changed how you think about your topic?
Your annotated bibliography may include some of these, all of these, or even others. If you’re doing this for a class, you should get specific guidelines from your instructor.
Format
The annotations for each source are written in paragraph form. Generally the bibliographic information of the source includes the title, author, publisher, date, etc. Please use MLA guidelines.
Draft Outline: Refer to Paper Writing Handouts (on iLearn for guidance on outlines).