A) An argumentative research essay exploring the “Role of Monsters.” This research can focus on one specific monster, genre-specific

monsters, or some combination thereof. The paper should be organized around a thesis statement that specifically addresses the role of

monsters in terms of cultural influence or impact.
Broad topics for this assignment include those we’ve discussed in class, such as gender roles, or perhaps the problem of power, or

leadership, or communal relations, or individuality, and so on. With a topic chosen that provides an interpretive context, you would then

use that context as a lens to focus your analysis and direct your research, interrogating how the monster reveals, troubles, complicates,

or reinforces a specific idea. In other words, make explicit the implicit message this monster has about your subject or theme (which you

will uncover through analysis). You should, moreover, avoid simply listing significant interactions of the monstrous and your chosen topic,

and instead should give room to consider the complexity of the monstrous as represented within your interpretive context. In doing so, your

thesis will, by necessity, evolve, informed by research and analysis. You can choose any monster story except one about which you’ve

previously written.

Format and Requirements:
-Length: 6-10 pages, 1900-3000 words
-MLA format
-Works Cited Page
Some ways of using your sources:
1. To back up a point you are making
2. To give the author’s idea about the topic
3. To expand/support a point you’ve made
4. To introduce an alternative point
5. To develop a related point
6. To provide background information (on issue, place, other research, etc.)

Criteria:
1. You need to have a clear, argumentative thesis
2. Develop your argument/prove your point effectively
3. Make your sentences active (think about the authors and readers doing something to the text)
4. Follow the PIE construction for each paragraph
5. Write an interesting introduction/conclusion
6. Follow the MLA format for research papers
7. Incorporate quotations correctly and use good/credible sources
8. Give your essay an interesting and relevant title
9. Meet the length requirement
10. Pay attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation

Sources:
– For this paper, you will need to use at least five (5) critical sources relevant to your topic.
– Feel free to use the essays we’ve discussed in class, but they won’t count for the five minimum sources. While doing research, keep track

as to whether the source is a journal article, book article, book chapter, or web source. Also, note all of the relevant publication

information.
– Please note that the research part of this assignment is probably the most time-consuming part. Do not wait till the last minute, as you

will have to read a lot of material and decide which sources are going to be useful for you. And you do want good, reliable, useful

sources; otherwise, your paper will not be credible.