SOL - Research Overview and Requirements Lesson

Research Overview and Requirements Lesson

Now that you already have one foot in the realm of Southern literature, you are ready to jump right in and spend the rest of the unit in Georgia. Though you may not have been born in Georgia or may not currently reside in the state, a study of the writers both past and present that Georgia has produced is worthwhile to every student of American literature.

Three steps of the Research Process. 1. select an author and a text 2. read the text 3. begin the research process. For your research project, you will select one Georgia author who interests you. You will then select one short work by that author and read it in its entirety. Finally, you will work through the research process using the Georgia author and text you have chosen as the basis for your work.

 

Step 1: Select an author and text.

The author you choose should have some association with Georgia, either as a birthplace or residence during some part of his or her life. Use the resources linked below to explore possible choices. The Georgia Writers Hall of Fame lists authors whose works have been so well received that they have been recognized with this special honor. The Georgia Literary Map provides links to authors from every county in the state, so you can find writers local to you. Make sure as you look that you focus on your own interests because the research process is not short, and you don't want to find yourself bored halfway through. For example, if you found in the last lesson that you enjoy Southern Gothic literature, take a look at the writings of Flannery O'Connor. Once you've chosen an author, read through brief summaries of the short texts written by that author and choose one that sounds interesting to you. Unless you have a lot of time, you will want to stick with poems and short stories instead of novels, but don't select a text that's too short or you will find yourself with nothing to write about for the final paper.

Georgia Writers Hall of Fame Link Links to an external site.

Georgia Literary Map Link Links to an external site.

 

Step 2: Read the text.

Find a copy of the text online or in your school or public library. This is your primary source. Read the entire text, and make note of your thoughts as you read.

 

Step 3 and beyond: The Research Process

 This is where the real research (and fun!) begins. The research process can be a lengthy one, so it is imperative that you do not procrastinate on these assignments.   Follow the steps to be as successful as possible on this major essay and its components. These steps are linked below and a resource that may help you as you work through the process.

Guide to Writing Research Papers Link Links to an external site.

 

Self-Assessment

Complete the following self-assessment to check your understanding of the requirements of the research process you are about to engage in.

 

RESOURCES IN THIS MODULE ARE OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (OER) OR CREATED BY GAVS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. SOME IMAGES USED UNDER SUBSCRIPTION.