MGRP Outlines and Such

British Literature. Thu, Dec 20th, 2007 at 5:02 pm

I am very excited about the essays you all are working on. Most of you seemed comfortable with the outline overview I gave in class, but if you were absent or still have questions, here is an overview:

You will need to have at least four sources for this paper. Two of these will be from your previous presentation to the class, while the remaining two were collected earlier this week.

I have spoken to each of you about a part of your topic on which to concentrate, but if you are still undecided, please email me.

The outlines are due tomorrow. Here is the format:

Thesis statement. What are you arguing?

1. Topic phrase for first body paragraph.
   1. Location of support (must be page number, song name, time during movie, etc) for topic phrase
   2. Location of support for topic phrase
   3. Location of support for topic phrase
2. Topic phrase for second body paragraph.
   1. Etc.

Basically, I am looking for your thesis statement, the topic for each body paragraph, and the support (quotation) for each paragraph. Before turning in your outline tomorrow, make sure of a few things:

• Your thesis statement argues a position. “The Beatles and the Rolling Stones are both from different parts of England. These parts are…” Is not an argument. “The musical styles of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones were heavily influenced by the social status of the members of each band. While the Fab Four came from a predominantly blue collar section…” Is an argument. The author is arguing that the history of each band heavily influenced the later sound of each band.
• Your topic phrases and support relate to your thesis and support your argument. This is why we write outlines before writing essays. If your argument is not supported, no matter how well you craft your words, the essay will not be a good one.

So, compile your notes from the past two days and write your thesis. The outlines will be graded in class tomorrow, and I will give you suggestions at that time. If you have any questions tonight, please email me or comment on this post.

10 Responses to “MGRP Outlines and Such”

1. mollie says:

   December 20, 2007 at 6:00 pm

   I decided to write my paper on Peter Sellers’ lack of self. My only concern is where I would find more specific details about his personal life and conflicts rather than his career. I need enogh information for 5 pages. aaaaah

2. JStallings says:

   December 20, 2007 at 6:16 pm

   Try googling “Peter Sellers interview.” There are several YouTube video clips featuring him, and several articles with him speaking about his life. Try http://www.petersellers.org/mb
   /listheaders.php and http://www.youtube.com/watch?
   v=TMt-WygUDnQ. Also, didn’t you have a video on his life and death?

3. JStallings says:

   December 20, 2007 at 6:23 pm

   Oh, also a compendium of Peter Sellers information: http://www.squidoo.com/peter_sellers

4. mollie says:

   December 20, 2007 at 7:26 pm

   Thank you! I really appreciate it. I found a book online and went to check it out and the library is closed today. HOW WEIRD. I’ll look into those links you gave me.

5. Anonymous says:

   December 20, 2007 at 8:03 pm

   Did you say we also had to have a works cited page?

6. JStallings says:

   December 20, 2007 at 9:37 pm

   You must have a works cited page, but that should be turned in with your paper. Don’t worry about that tonight.

   Also, Warren just sent me a link that might help those studying slavery in its many incarnations:http://www.spartacus.
   schoolnet.co.uk/slavery.htm

7. JStallings says:

   December 20, 2007 at 9:38 pm

   The first few Sellers interview videos on YouTube are funny, but the really interesting one is part 4, when the host asks him about his home life. Notice how he sobers up and gets a bit uncomfortable.

8. Anonymous says:

   December 25, 2007 at 7:51 pm

   waddup! i was just messin around and made this, try it as the header and give me some feedback.

   http://i16.tinypic.com/6l18l8g.gif

9. JStallings says:

   December 25, 2007 at 9:35 pm

   That’s awesome! I just put it up.

10. Anonymous says:

    December 31, 2007 at 10:05 am

    sweeeeeet!