Junior/Senior Theme Description and Requirements

Step 1: Laying the Groundwork (1st or 2nd marking period)

• Choose and read novel (Junior = American Lit; Senior = British and World Lit)
• Complete a reader response journal—using MLA format, choose and cite 15 to 20 quotes with commentary on importance and possible relation to theme
• Choose theme—literary theme OR social theme

Step 2:  Researching Author (beginning of 3rd marking period)

• Sources:  2 print sources (books, database articles)
• Collect Harvard Topic Outline on biographical information AND works cited (2 separate documents)
• Length of paper: 2 pages minimum with parenthetical citations
• Submit paper to turnitin.com

Step 3:  Researching Theme and Choosing Genres (middle to end of 3rd marking period)

• Research on Topic
• Sources: 5 sources consisting of at least 3 print sources (books, databases articles, specialized encyclopedias) and no more than 2 reputable internet sites
• No wikipedia.com
• Websites that are .edu or .org are pre-approved
• Other websites must be teacher-approved!
• Collect detailed outline on research of topic AND works cited  (2 separate documents)
• Choice of Literary Genres
• Options:  short story, poetry, drama, 2nd novel
• Each genre may be used no more than twice

Step 4:  Writing the Core Paper (beginning of 4th marking period)

• Collect detailed outline on research AND correlation of 4 works
• Collect works cited page that includes research material and 4 literary texts  (9 minimum sources total)
• Discuss research and apply to 4 literary texts (main novel and three genres)
• Compose thesis statement that synthesizes all four literary works and research materials
• Include parenthetical citations and quotes from texts using MLA format
• Length of paper: 6-8 pages
• Submit paper to turnitin.com

FYI:     You will need to have possession of a Nutley Public Library card and knowledge of the BCCLS borrowing system.

            Junior/Senior Themes WILL NOT be accepted one week past due date!  There is no opportunity for summer school if the Junior/Senior Theme requirement is not fulfilled.

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