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The final paper will be proposed in written form on the date listed in the syllabus, which is far ahead of the paper's due date. The written proposal will be returned with comments and suggestions and a notation as to whether or not it has been approved. The proposal must be revised until it is approved. Papers submitted without an approved proposal will risk a reduction in grade. The final paper will be due on the date listed in the syllabus.

The paper's topic:


The focus of your paper will be on the work of any of the playwrights we have studied this semester. It may not be a biographical sketch of the playwright, though biographical information may be useful within the context of your topic. Your topic and thesis will have been worked out in your paper proposal, which will have been approved prior to writing the paper. The thesis statement must be somewhere in the first paragraph of the paper.


You will need to read at least one other play by your chosen author and directly cite at least four of the sources from your required and approved seven research sources these are the minimal requirements. I strongly urge you to read as many primary works by your playwright as you are able. (You may also make the case to compare the work of two playwrights, but in that instance you must read at least one additional play by each playwright and reference them in your paper.)


As for research, more establish playwrights may have a great deal published about them. For newer contemporary playwrights, your sources will likely be revues and articles from major periodical publications, as well as academic journals.


The “general internet” is often a good place to begin to gain an overview of your subject matter. However, it is seldom a definitive resource and any articles or reviews not from acknowledged sources may be suspect. You may use “general internet” sources for support in your papers, but with caution. All MLA citations of online research must include the URL. The reference librarians at Sawyer will be able to help you with on-line resources from journal databases to which the university subscribes. All sources must be in the bibliography and all researched ideas, as well as quotes, must be cited.


For your topic you may choose to discuss themes, symbolism, characterization, style, social or political intent, historical context, or any other aspects of the playwright's writing that you find compelling. In addition to any thematic or necessary bibliographical material you cover, you must discuss your experience of the difference between the author's written work and it's effect as a produced, spoken piece of theatre.


The paper's format:


The paper should be six to eight pages long, stapled in the upper left corner, word-processed with 12 point font, double spaced, have one inch margins, a cover page, page numbers, and a bibliography that relates to the citations. Include your student ID# on the cover page. There should not be long headers at the top of each page; that's what the cover page is for. Four and a half pages is not five, and five pages is the minimum requirement. Two plays per playwright (one from class and one of your choice) and four citations are the minimum requirement for source material.


Do not hand in your first draft! Write the paper with enough time to edit and revise it. Grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage, and style will be taken into consideration as well as content when assessing the paper for grading. Support your assertions! Be direct and concise! Proof-read assiduously! Go to the Writing Center!


The paper represents 30% of your grade.


Plagiarism is a crime. It is not taken lightly by your professor or the university. Cite all sources and quotes. If an idea is not yours, you must cite its source! Please refer to the Course Policies page and the student handbook for further clarification of this policy.


Final Paper