QUESTION

Write a conventional research paper. It may be about any topic, so long as it directly pertains to at least one of the plays or other assigned readings from this class.
I’ll expect you to engage closely and at some length with the text of the work that you choose to focus on. You’ll also have to use and cite the same number of outside sources, regardless of which option you choose.
I’ll expect you to submit a “pitch” for your final paper topic, thesis, and list of outside sources before the beginning of class time on Tuesday, November 22. See the assignment marked “Final Paper pitch” for more details.
You must turn in a well-structured essay that follows the standard introduction-discussion-conclusion outline. It should have a clear thesis, a well-structured argument that lays out the evidence to support that thesis, and a strong conclusion that explains why your thesis is relevant and important.
You must append a proper Works Cited. As always for a paper, it should list all the books, articles, and websites you consulted in writing your paper, including material from the syllabus that you quote and/or analyze in the paper.
You should consult at least 3 sources in addition to class readings.
Some good places to start looking include: Oscar Brockett’s History of the Theatre(any edition); the Oxford Companion to Theatre and Performance; the Cambridge Guide to Theatre; any of a number of Cambridge Companions on an assortment of topics
Please be courteous to your classmates when checking out material from the library! Share!
NO MATERIAL FROM WIKIPEDIA OR SIMILAR SITES!
Electronic editions of, say, the New York Timesare perfectly acceptable, so long as the author might reasonably be considered an authority on the subject. URLs ending in .edu and .org are often, though not always, more likely to be reliable.
Please don’t hesitate to ask me about sources! You are ultimately responsible for choosing, analyzing, and properly citing the sources, but I am happy to point you in the direction of materials of which you may not be aware. I’ve spent way too much of my life thinking about this stuff, so someone might as well benefit.
FORMAT:
The paper (excluding title, bibliography, etc.) will be at least 1,500 words long, with 3,000 words as a general (though not absolute) upwards limit.
In an attempt to save paper and avoid printer problems, I request that you submit this in electronic form. Please upload it to Canvas by the start of class on December 6. Anything submitted a minute after this deadline will be considered late, so please plan accordingly!
AS ALWAYS, PLAGIARISM OF ANOTHER’S THOUGHTS OR WORDS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND WILL RESULT IN A FAILING GRADE!

SOLUTION

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step 1: Choose Your Topic and Text

Select a play or assigned reading from your course that genuinely interests you.
Think about specific themes, characters, or scenes that you can analyze in depth.

Step 2: Develop Your Thesis Statement

Formulate a clear, arguable thesis that answers a question or presents a unique insight about your chosen text.
Your thesis will guide your research and writing.

Step 3: Find Quality Outside Sources

Use academic books, peer-reviewed articles, and trusted theatre history resources like Oscar Brockett’s History of the Theatre or the Cambridge Companion series.
Avoid Wikipedia and unreliable websites. Use sources that add credibility and depth to your analysis.
Gather at least three outside sources to support your argument.

Step 4: Submit Your Paper Pitch

Before November 22, submit a concise pitch that includes:
- Your chosen topic and text
- Your working thesis
- A preliminary list of at least three outside sources

Step 5: Outline Your Paper

Plan your essay structure:
- Introduction: Present your thesis and the significance of your topic.
- Discussion/Body: Develop your argument using close textual analysis and evidence from outside sources. Organize logically by theme or point.
- Conclusion: Explain the importance of your thesis and how your analysis contributes to understanding the play or reading.

Step 6: Write the First Draft

Engage closely with the text, quoting and analyzing key passages.
Integrate outside sources smoothly, citing all references properly.
Maintain formal, academic tone and clarity.

Step 7: Revise and Edit

Review for logical flow, clarity, and completeness.
Check grammar, punctuation, and citation style (MLA, APA, or as directed).
Ensure your paper is between 1,500 and 3,000 words.

Step 8: Prepare Works Cited

List every source you referenced, including course readings and outside materials.
Follow the correct formatting style consistently.

Step 9: Submit Your Paper on Time

Upload your final draft to Canvas by the start of class on December 6.
Avoid last-minute submission to prevent penalties.

How to Write a Successful Research Paper on Your Assigned Play or Reading