11th Grade Research Project & Presentation

NAME: ______________________ PERIOD: ______ AUTHOR:_______________________

Prompt: How did your author's writing influence the time period that they lived in and the literary movement of which they were a part? Formula for thesis map: (Movement) literature of the (?) century was highly influenced by (author's name)'s (subtopic 1), (subtopic 2) and (subtopic 3). Example thesis statement: Early American literature of the nineteenth century was highly influenced by Edgar Allan Poe's unique style, writing genres and literary criticism. Objective: Students will learn the process of writing an effective research paper using proper MLA format with at least 80% accuracy. Students will increase their public speaking skills by executing a presentation on which they will score at least 80%. Additionally, they will become familiar with a significant American author whose work will be read and analyzed in ELA 11. Requirements: Voice: Formal (3rd person, objective, no contractions) Guidelines: Research topic and focus on your author as he/she relates to literature and history in the United States o Paper must be 3-5 pages in length (see additional Format information below). At least 3 reliable sources (Wikipedia does not count) Identify 3 major works written by the author o Presentation must be 7 minutes in length (see attached Presentation Rubric) and will be videotaped in class. This will allow you to view yourself and review your progress toward the public speaking goals set after the persuasive speeches. Due dates: o Identify sources by: ________ o Typed rough draft due: _______ o Final draft due: ______ o Presentation due: ______ (Please have a print out, 3 slides per page, to hand in on this date.)

 Lateness: The English department has a strict no late work policy. Your final paper, with rough draft, and Works Cited page must be in the bin by the start of class on the due date for credit. o Computer and printer problems are not acceptable excuses. o Emailed papers accepted only in case of an emergency. o All papers must be printed before the class in which it is due. o In case of absence, the must arrive to your teacher by the start of class via email or personal delivery. Format: o Typed o Double-spaced o 12 point o Times New Roman font o 1 margins o MLA style documentation o Works Cited Page Paper will be graded using the MLA Writing Rubric & Keystone Informational Rubric (see attached). Presentation will be graded using the Public Speaking Rubric. Your teacher will tell you whether or not this is a requirement: List of Authors: 1. Edgar Allan Poe 2. Nathaniel Hawthorne 3. Walt Whitman 4. Emily Dickinson 5. Henry David Thoreau 6. Ralph Waldo Emerson 7. Langston Hughes 8. Claude McKay 9. James Weldon Johnson 10. Countee Cullen 11. F. Scott Fitzgerald 12. J.D. Salinger 13. Toni Morrison

Works Cited

Askins, Renee. Releasing Wolves from Symbolism. Harpers April 1995: 15-17. Print. Begley, Sharon. The Return of the Native. Newsweek 23 Jan 1995: 53. Web. 19 July 2012. Bergman, Charles. Wild Echoes: Encounters with the Most Endangered Animals in North America. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1990.