ENG 102 – BoltonEssay Assignment 2: Drama – Historical Studies

This is the “research paper” of the semester—a historical reading of one of the plays we read and discussed in class. Follow these guidelines when constructing your essay:

You must write on either Death of a Salesman or Hamlet (essays on other plays will receive a 0)o Death of a Salesman takes place in America in the 1940s (World War II era)o Hamlet takes place in Europe (Denmark) during the Renaissance (1400s-1700s)

Include an interesting, engaging title Provide a thesis that is specific, well-developed, and appropriate

o Your thesis and the rest of your essay must effectively interweave the historical information with your interpretation of the play—I do not want a “report” on the time period; you are making an argument via your interpretation of how the time period affected what happens in the work

Cite at least once from each source in your essay Choose appropriate sources when researching

o Sources must come from the library databases or be a published book—no websites are acceptable

o Include at least one PRINTED book as a source (not an eBook, though you can certainly use eBooks in addition to your one printed book)

o The only acceptable dictionary is the Oxford English Dictionary, which is scholarly but only counts once (no matter how many words you look up) and does not count as your book

o Note: You are welcome to use more than three sources as long as they all come from the databases or are books

o Note: Essays that include sources that are not scholarly will receive half credit; the same penalty applies to essays that don’t include at least three outside sources

Follow MLA Format (which means you will have a Works Cited page that includes a correct entry for each source used!)

Proofread carefully for grammatical, technical, and mechanical errors

Important Dates and Requirements

Draft Due to TurnitIn for PeerMark: Friday, June 22 (by 11:59 pm)Peer Review Must be Completed By: Monday, June 25 (by 11:59 pm)Paper Due to Instructor: June 28 (by 5:00 p.m.)Length: 2000-3000 words* Sources Required: Four—the play itself and three additional sources that come

from the library databases)*Submission Methods: Hard copy (to me), electronic copy to TurnitIn

* Essays that are too short, too long, or don’t meet the source requirements will receive half credit.Note: You will also be required to turn in additional work that you complete as part of the writing

process—see rubric page for details.

Student Name: _________________________ Peer Review Grade: _____/20

Essay 2: Drama – Historical Studies (150 points)

Scale: 15 = perfect/excellent, 12 = good, 9 = fair, 0 = poor or missing

15 12 9 0Introduction introduces text and author, provides necessary background information, and builds to the thesisThesis statement is clear and well-developed, explains how the historical time period affects the work, and is the last sentence of the introductionEach body paragraph includes a topic sentence that outlines that paragraph and connects to the thesisBody paragraphs are appropriate, concrete, and well-developed; examples are logical and effectiveConclusion avoids introducing new ideas and adequately summarizes essay

In-text citations (quotes) are formatted correctly, properly framed (introduced and discussed), and effective in supporting thesisTransitions effectively enhance essay’s “flow” by guiding reader

Vocabulary, language use, and word choices are correct and appropriateNote: You should avoid second-person (“you”) and unnecessary first-person (“I think,” “In my opinion,” etc.)Grammar, spelling, and mechanics demonstrate correct use of Standard Edited American EnglishMLA Format is followed throughout essay (including Works Cited page)

* Please consult your essay for details; if you do not understand a comment I made, please don’t hesitate to come see me during office hours to discuss your essay.

Grade: _____/150Checklist:

All of the following items are due along with the hard copy of your essay (NO later); for each of these items missing,

your essay will be penalized up to 20 points.

□ copy of this rubric (print and turn in)□ copy of outline for essay (see D2L)□ explanation of why sources used are effective and

relevant (type and print this—I’m just looking for you to justify why you chose the sources you did; this is informal)

Don’t forget that you also have to submit your final copy to Turnitin.com as well!