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Capstone Project Instructions and Resources
1 Critical Approaches
Here you will find a few commonly used critical approaches for analyzing a text. You will need to select one (or two) of these as a basis for writing your final paper. Remember, in this context, "critical" does not mean negative. A critical approach is a way of examining a text, asking questions about a text, and synthesizing information about a text.
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*Formalist- the formalist approach focuses on literary elements—point of view, characters, plot, imagery, theme, symbolism, etc. For example, if you wrote a formalist analysis of a fairy tale, you might write about the symbolism of going through a dark forest in several different tales. Your research would possibly center on the many fairy tales containing a “dark forest”, and what other literary critics say about the “dark forest” and what it might mean. You may write about more than one literary element in a formalist paper, but you don’t want to overdo it. For example, discussing how the symbolism underlines the theme of a text is appropriate.
*Biographical-the biographical approach focuses on how the author’s life relates to the text he/she has written. (What “real life” elements are there in the novel?) For example, if you wrote a biographical analysis of J.M. Barrie’s novel Peter Pan, only a brief bit of research will tell you that Barrie based his fantastical story on many real life events. You would draw examples from the novel and show (through research) how those literary elements reflect real events in the author’s life.
*Historical-the historical approach focuses on the time period in which a work is written or the time period in which a work is set. It would be appropriate to research both the author and the time period for this type of literary criticism. Authors are influenced heavily by the time in which they live. This type of analysis would use examples from the novel corresponding to historical events that are reflected in the text.
*Feminist-the feminist approach focuses on what the text reveals about the role, position, and influence of women. It also focuses on the relationships between men and women in the text. It would be appropriate to include information about the time period (historical context) since that is often relevant for female characters and/or authors. Your analysis would include examples from the novel to illustrate what aspect of “gender roles” you are discussing, and research to back up your points.
You will select one (possibly two) of these approaches as a focus for your paper. Your instructor can help you select a topic if you are not sure where to begin.
Capstone Project Instructions and Resources
2 Capstone Project Instructions
English 112
Capstone: Novel Critical Analysis Instructions
The critical analysis on your selected novel is similar to the literary analysis you wrote in the “Cinderella” unit. However, instead of having all the sources provided for you, you will have to research your own sources on your selected novel.
Please review the OWL module for help with documentation. Instructions for using your library databases are in the “Book” for the Critical Analysis module.
Sources:
1. Use at least four (4) sources other than the novel itself. These sources should be valid literary sources. If you use our SCC library databases, you know the sources are valid. Wikipedia, Pink Monkey, Cliff Notes, etc. are *not* considered valid, literary sources. Films on Demand (from our library) is also a valid place of reference. Sources can be web-based or print, as long as you document accordingly.
2. Please use the OWL and the videos provided in this module to help you. You may also review the “How to write a thesis” video from earlier in the course.
Instructions:
1. Select a critical approach for the focus of your paper. In some cases they may be combined, such as historical context with biographical information.
2. Complete the “summary and critical approach” assignment for your novel by the specified due date.
3. Submit the rough draft of your research paper to Smarthinking and/or Turn it In (as specified by your instructor) by the specified due date.
4. Submit the final draft of your research paper by the specified due date.
5. This paper should be in MLA format.
6. This paper should be 6-10 pages long.
7. A works cited page should be included. The works cited page does *not* count as a page of text.
Writing tips:
*Use an academic tone. You should not use “I” in a literary paper. For example, instead of saying, “I think the symbolism in the novel illustrates the theme” say, “The symbolism in the novel illustrates the theme in the following ways…”
*Refer to authors by first and last name or last name only. Never refer to an author by first name only. For example, “William Shakespeare’s plays have endured the test of time.” Not: “William’s plays are still good today.”
*Establishing a strong thesis for your critical paper is essential. Please review the video on writing thesis statements or the earlier chapter in your WRAC text. Chapter 3, beginning on page 75, covers how to write thesis statements, introductions, and conclusions.
*Ask your instructor for help. Even if your course is online, your instructor is there to help you. Refer to the contact information provided on the syllabus. If you are local, you may visit the writing center for one-on-one help with your paper.
Capstone Project Instructions and Resources
3 Video Resources
Access the video links by clicking on each one. A short description of each video is in red text.
1. This video on active reading will help you as you read your novel.
2. This video on writing introductions for literary papers will help you get started when you begin to write. It is from a different college, so please ignore the instructions at the very end directing you to that institutions resources.
3. This video will help you with documentation in MLA format. Remember, to find out how to document a specific source, see the OWL and refer to that source.
4. This video covers basic MLA format.
5. Stanly Community College Library Guide to Research Videos
http://stanly.libguides.com/informationliteracy
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