All sources have to be from peer-reviewed journals
This paper has 2 parts: an annotated bibliography (4 pages, 2 paragraphs for each source) and a research proposal (3 paragraphs)
An annotated bibliography is a summary of the contents of the sources on a selected topic arranged alphabetically by author. Each citation must be formatted according to MLA guidelines. Following each citation, you will have two comments: an objective and non-evaluative synopsis of the source, and then a paragraph-long critique of the source.
To synopsize, first read through the source to understand its central idea and the relationship of its supporting parts. Next, in your own words, produce a tight paragraph that concisely and accurately captures the governing idea of the source and the main points that support it. In essence, do an informative summary that contains all of the essential information—and only that information.
The critique will follow the synopsis in a paragraph of its own. It will analyze what you think are the main strengths and weaknesses of the source. It should also include a statement about what you believe to be the importance of the source in terms of the paper you are writing. In other words, how does the source inform where you believe your paper is heading?
Your final version of the annotated bibliography should be a minimum of four pages in length, covering 5-7 sources.
Your proposal for your argument-driven research paper should be three paragraphs long. In the first paragraph, you will introduce your research paper topic and provide some historical/cultural context for it. Your goal in this paragraph is to interest your reader in the issue. In the second paragraph, you should describe what you think your argument on this topic might be. Include a tentative thesis in this paragraph. Of course, you will probably revise your thesis — and maybe your entire approach to the subject — several times, but this is an important first step in focusing your argument. In your third and final paragraph, you should mention, explain, and refute at least one counter argument, since you will need to do that in the finished paper as well.
