Guidelines for Papers #1-3

Humanities 1 papers should be 5-7 pages long. Except for the fourth paper of the semester, which will incorporate outside library research using 1-3 sources, papers should focus on class texts, providing close analyses of these texts to support a particular thesis.

An ideal thesis will propose a clear answer to a specific, potentially controversial question. Among other possibilities, a thesis might evaluate a claim made in an assigned text, interpret the meaning of a work of fiction, or compare and contrast two ideas, events, characters, and so forth.

The thesis should generally be contained in the introductory paragraph of the essay, which should be relatively short and to the point-around half a page or so. The introduction should introduce and stimulate interest in the question to be considered, and then present the thesis to be defended, perhaps with a brief outline of the argument strategy to be followed in the body of the paper.

The body should then follow through on the thesis, supporting it with a logically constructed argument rooted in textual analysis. Throughout the paper, the writer should be attuned to potential objections to the line of argument being advanced and should tailor the discussion to meet such objections.

Qualities of a successful paper

Topic and thesis

· Ingenuity in formulation of topic
· Effective, engaging introduction
· Strong, relatively original thesis

Structure and argument

· Clear organizational plan-smooth transitions from paragraph to paragraph; paragraphs all relevant to proving thesis
· Coherence within each paragraph-topic sentence supported by the others
· Plot summary only where minimally necessary for outside reader
· Sound logic and strong textual evidence
· Appropriate use of quotations-enough to support claims about texts; not so many that they swamp the paper; paper should introduce block quotes and then explain what they prove

Writing

· Clear, direct, grammatical writing-no fragments, run-ons, wordiness, jargon
· Precise language
· Active rather than passive voice
· Varied sentence forms
· Correct use of MLA or other acceptable documentation style