Literary Elements

For this research paper assignment, you will choose a work not commonly considered “literature” & make a case for its literary value. Possible types of works include, but are not limited to: films, songs, comic books, television shows, web series, video games, & so on. You may use the topic that you derived from the in-class questionnaire (& I urge that you do). Your case will be built on two key areas of evidence: 1. A clear definition of what you believe literary value is, based on OUTSIDE RESEARCH IN THE FIELD OF LITERARY STUDIES 2. Your own textual literary analysis that engages AT LEAST THREE pertinent literary elements present in your chosen work (theme, setting, characterization, symbolism, etc.) -Research Papers MUST be 1000-1800 words in length, PLUS a Works Cited page (the Works Cited page does NOT count in the word count). Please make the final line of the body of the essay the word count for the paper. -You must use at least THREE outside sources (three sources besides your primary case study. If my paper is on Watchmen, it does not count as one of my sources, but must appear on my Works Cited list.) -At least one source MUST be a book -At least one source MUST be a journal article -No more than one source may be a website (Wikipedia, Spark Notes, & the like are not acceptable AT ALL) -You may use the textbook as well as any sources that I (or your classmates) have shared via BlackBoard -All citations (both in-text & in Works Cited) must be in proper MLA format; points will be deducted for incorrect MLA format -Papers must have a clear introduction paragraph with a thesis statement. Your thesis should include two key components: 1. A clear articulation of your definition of what it means to be literary. 2. A declaration that your work is literary & why that is so, based on your definition of literary value.