Write a thesis based, argumentative research essay; you must use at least one credible outside source in conjunction with one or more of the texts we’ve read in class.
Make sure to follow MLA guidelines for citation and Works Cited page.
Make sure you have a clear introduction, body and conclusion. Use at least two direct quotes in the paper. Wikipedia is not considered a legitimate outside source. When obtaining outside sources it is a good idea to use journals, scholarly articles, and literary criticism. BMCC’s library is available online and there is a link to it on the homepage.

This assignment should be 4-6 pages.
All papers must include: title page, works cited page, page numbers; margins should be set at 1? and the font size should not exceed 12pt. Papers should be double spaced. Neither the title page nor the works cited page is considered in the page count.
Please Note: You must submit your final draft through Safe Assign and also bring in a hard copy. The Final Draft is due March 20, 2014. Late papers will not be accepted.
Below are a few examples should you find yourself stuck and unable to come up with a plan for this paper: When I offer a hint, it is devised to help you along in your thought process. You do not, however, have to take the hint into consideration when you write your paper if you do not wish to do so.
a)  Write a paper using the theme of forgiveness to formulate a thesis. Use the short story Forgiveness to formulate an argument (debate) based on your thesis.

b)      Happy Endings by Margaret Atwood and/or Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut: Focus the on the use of plot-line in order to develop theme. HINT: What argument can you make about plot-lines and/or structures and how they are created in today’s modern short stories? Break down the plot structures. What structure are these stories using to tell the story they are telling? Why? How would the stories be different if the writers did not develop the plot-line as they did?  Research plot-lines and plot structures.

c)      Story of an Hour by Chopin and/or Happy Endings by Atwood: focus the paper on the theme of happiness in romantic relationships. HINT: What argument can you make about happiness and/or romantic relationships? What are the arguments the authors are making about romantic relationships? What elements of fiction do the authors use to make the arguments they are making in the stories? What do the stories say about the times in which they were written? Are these stories helpful today?< Research happiness in romantic relationships. What makes them successful?

d)    Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut: Focus the paper on the use of point of view and/or equality. HINT: Break down the use of Point of View. Why do you think the author chose the point of view he did to tell his story? Does it work? Research Utopia. Can it exist? Can total equality ever be achieved, and if so, do we really want that? Give clear examples of how and why. Research Utopia.

e)  Compare and contrast two stories we discussed in class focusing on the use of character. Break down at least one character in two of the stories we read in class.  How and why do the authors of each story choose to develop, or not develop the characters you have chosen to discuss? What are the particular functions of each character in the pieces? Research Character Development.

f)        Use George Orwell’s, A Hanging to research the theme of execution, capital punishment, Imperialism, conscience, reality, truth, death, etc.

g)      Use any of the short stories we’ve read in class and source material based on literary criticism to create an argument. Research literary criticism as well as biographical information.

PLEASE NOTE: If you’d like to write an essay, and do not find any of the aforementioned topics of interest, please feel free to come up with an alternate approach to the short stories we’ve read in class. You must email me for approval of your topic.
Policy on Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else’s ideas, words, or artistic/scientific/technical work as one’s own creation. A student who copies or paraphrases published or on-line material, or another person’s research, without properly identifying the source(s) is committing plagiarism. Plagiarism violates the ethical and academic standards of our college. Students will be held responsible for such violations, even when unintentional. To avoid unintended plagiarism, students should consult with their instructors about when and how to document their sources. The library also has both print and digital guides designed to help students cite sources correctly. Plagiarism carries a range of penalties commensurate with severity of the infraction. The instructor may, for example, require the work to be redone, reduce the course grade, fail the student in the course, or refer the case to the Faculty-Student Disciplinary Committee (see Article 15.4 of the Bylaws of the Board of Trustees). Cases referred to that committee could result in suspension or expulsion from the college