1. Getting Started

First Things First - Assignment Requirements

Before you begin work on any research paper, examine the assignment closely for requirements.

Q. How long is the paper?

his could be a page length, a page range, a word count, etc.

Q. How many sources?

Required to use your textbook, The Norton Anthology of English Literature, as your primary source
plus the number a minimum secondary sources listed by your instructor to support your topic.

Q. What kind of sources?

Must use a variety of credible sources like literary criticism books, eBooks, or library database sources, historical books, eBooks,
or library database sources, informative and authoritative video or other multimedia sources.

Q. How do you cite sources?

Most instructors will ask you to use MLA format for your citations, but double-check to make sure. You may want to remind yourself what information you need to create the MLA Works Cited page and in-text citations.

Q. What is due?

Is this just a paper? Is there also an Annotated Bibliography due? Are there other pieces like a rough draft, outline, etc. Make note of all the parts of the assignment and create a checklist to make sure you don't leave anything out.

Q. When is it due?

How long do you have to work on this paper or project? Is there one due date for everything or are there multiple due dates for different parts of the assignment? Plan out your time, so you don't get stuck doing all the work at the last minute. Plan extra time in case you have problems or get stuck.

Q. What other requirements should you make note of?

Use specific examples from the works to support your response. You should include multiple examples from the primary source (Beowulf), as well as a minimum of 1-2 quotes/paraphrases from each secondary source cited. Use in-text citations after paraphrased information and quotations from the works.

Selecting a Topic

The first thing you need to do before you begin a research paper is to select a topic that you're going to write about.

(Ramsey Class Only) Choose from one of the following essay topics listed below:

Discuss the different functions and roles of treasure such as: reward, payment, gift, status symbol, adornment, and/or hoard in Beowulf. Additionally, compare and contrast how different characters in the epic value treasure
Compare and contrast the ways in which the poet combines both Christian and pagan elements within Beowulf.
Is Beowulf a true hero based on the heroic code of the time, or is he just proud, boastful, and arrogant? Argue for or against Beowulf’s qualities as a true hero.
Compare and contrast alienation and community in Beowulf.
What ideals are cherished by the Viking culture, and how do Beowulf’s actions epitomize these values?
Compare/contrast the text of Beowulf with one of the film versions of the text (the movie or the series).
Compare/contrast Beowulf with another fictional hero from film, comic books, or television OR from mythology.
Come up with your own original thesis based on your reading/interpretation of the text. Be sure to discuss your ideas with the instructor for approval of your thesis idea.

For Buzzard Class Only:

It is your task to review these materials and then generate a unique thesis in which you insert yourself into the scholarly conversation concerning a particular theme and relating that theme to the appropriate historic and cultural context. The direction of your thesis may be taken in the way you best see fit to discuss the manuscript. In other words, you may approach the text and scholarly materials in any way you like. You should develop your original thesis into a structured essay, which includes analysis of the text and synthesis of the sources

Q. Do you have a choice?

You have several to choose from or you can come up with your thesis and get approval.

Q. What do you have an interest?

Consider topic or aspect of the poem which one you find the most interesting. Which topic do you think would be the easiest to write about? Which topic would you have the most to say about?