The purpose of your research paper is to demonstrate your ability to critically think about a concept and render an informed exposition in a cogent and logical manner. Your library contains numerous reference works, primary and secondary texts, journals, and Internet resources for you to use in your research. In addition, I encourage you to consult the staff in the Writing Center (also located in the library building) for further assistance. Your formal essay should be 3-4 typed, double-spaced pages (excluding the Works Cited page), Times New Roman 12 point font, with appropriate margins, MLA header and documentation. Keep in mind that the Modern Language Association requires parenthetical documentation as well as a Works Cited page. A copy of the latest edition of the MLA handbook is available in the reference section of the library for you to consult. You may also consult the MLA web site for additional information (www.mla.org/style). I have also placed links to citation robots in External Links. While I expect you to write in standard edited English, I will also evaluate your essay for rhetorical (your sense of audience and purpose) and substantive (research, analysis, and originality) content. It is also important to make sure that your sources are reputable and trustworthy. For example, do not use Wikipedia for research. It does not count as a source and any material in your paper based on it will be dismissed without credit. Instead, use a reputable encyclopedia such as Encyclopedia Britannica. The most reputable scholars in their respective fields write encyclopedia Britannica’s articles, and a panel of editors for accuracy and cogency verifies their work. You are required to use at least three reputable sources. Your scholarly articles should be drawn from the academic search engines (links available in SOSU’s Library Home Page) EbscoHost and First Search. Use NetLibrary (link available on the Library’s Home page) to access current books on your subject. You will find examples of scholarly articles in Course Documents--you may use them, if you find them relevant to your topic. To get you started, I have placed a number of valuable research links in External Links. The central focus of your research paper must be one of the texts read this semester. Please send me a paper proposal (one paragraph explaining what you intend to write about and why the topic is relevant) by March 1st. Ideas, The Gods; their love affairs; their family tree; who they favored; etc. Four pages excluding work cited page.