A 10-page research paper excluding bibliography (MLA-formatted pages); minimum secondary source requirement of 4. The topic of the paper, which author(s)/theme you would focus on is entirely up to you. A clear thesis and evidence of close reading skills are mandatory. The paper must have a literary focus, i.e. it must engage with one or more of the literary texts we read in class, and not merely concern itself with the historical/ social context. It is recommended that you meet with me to discuss the idea for your paper at least once during the semester.