Spring 06 Monsters Conference Paper Assignment

Write a 8 page (minimum), double-spaced, thesis driven, research paper critically examining the role monstrosity plays in war. Cite at least 8 sources both in text and on a Works Cited Page, MLA style. Use 12 point, Times New Roman Font. No cover sheet necessary. One inch margins and page numbers.

1) Make sure that you approach your topic in a manner relevant to the key concepts taught in this class. Specifically:

a) review the "Course Description", "Course Goals", and "General Course Objectives, Content" found at the top of the general syllabus. A major element of this assignment will be your ability to apply these concepts to your topic, paper and presentation.

Together, these sources, along with the general conference theme and your group's particular choice of topic, should help you focus and direct your approach. When unclear whether your approach and paper fits these general guidelines and goals, ask your professor.

Perhaps the best summary is: "Application of this information will help the student identify the societal, political, and cultural mechanisms used to influence and shape contemporary conceptions of the monster in the real world." Keep asking yourself: does my paper do this? (hint: the answer should be "yes"!)

2) All information garnered from sources must be appropriately documented. Ordinarily, a minimum of 8 textual sources are necessary for a paper of this length and depth. A mixture of on-line and traditional sources are recommended. Interviews may also be appropriate; include a written transcript of any interview material.

Quoted material should generally not exceed 2 to 3 lines; no lengthy block quotes.

Turn in photocopies or printed copies of all sources. For online sources, print at least the first page, with the URL; for books, print the edition page etc.

Failure to quote and cite sources and/or turn in copies of cited sources will result in a failing grade.

3) Papers should be well edited and formatted according to MLA guidelines. Papers not written at a basic college level will not pass. If you need help with editing and grammar, get it.

Critical analysis of topic (war) in which "monsters" have been traditionally used as a cultural tool, broken into three major sections, each basically the same in length:

Part 1) Summary of traditional perspectives on this topic in relation to monsters and monstrosity: description of traditional use of monsters (in propaganda etc.), including graphic (visual etc.) examples.

Part 2) Critical analysis of those traditional perspectives: application of course theories (analysis of Ethical/Moral and cultural symbolism, Othering etc.). Sift through the propaganda and mythology (summarized in Part 1) and demystify and de-demonize the "monsters" to root out the real, factual, historical "truths" of your topic. Reference texts covered in class.

Part 3) "Heroism": what are the actual, realistic "heroic" solutions to this social problem? What must be done to avoid its repetition or put an end to its root causes? Reference texts covered in class.