Consciousness and the Search for Selfhood

Assignment Sheet II
The Short Research Paper: Consciousness and the Search for Selfhood

The short research paper is an argument paper with a prominent thesis analyzing (1) the way either Eliot or Joyce depicted
consciousness from different perspectives in his work, or (2) the influence Bergson’s philosophy had on the depiction of
consciousness in the works of two modernist writers like Eliot, Joyce, Woolf, Conrad, or others you are familiar with.
Examine how consciousness is depicted in these works and provide some insight into why it is depicted in this way. Do you
believe it is an accurate representation of consciousness or is the portrait the result of cultural or personal biases? While
direct causal relationships may be hard to prove in literary analysis, critical sources should help you to argue that there
were significant influences by citing letters or interviews or noting clear textual or theoretical similarities. For example,
Eliot once wrote, “I was certainly very much under [Bergson’s] influence during the years 1910-11,” and textual analysis of
Bergson’s An Introduction to Metaphysics may reveal that Eliot’s poem “Prufrock” uses similar language in places. Part of
what you will learn by writing this paper is how to evaluate evidence and build persuasive arguments.

If you would prefer to write about the depictions of consciousness in the works of other modernist writers such as Woolf or
Conrad, consult with me first and be prepared to state your thesis, evidence, and sources before beginning. If you would
prefer to write about the influence of other philosophers on modernist writing such as William James orSigmund Freud, also
consult with me first and be prepared to state your thesis, evidence, and sources before beginning.

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For your critical sources, use at least one book taken from the libraryand at least one article from a scholarly journal. You
may certainly use additional sources both in print and online. Note: The earlier you go to the library, the easier it will be
to find the books you want.

Document your sources according to the MLA style, using both parenthetical citations and a “works cited” page. Base your
arguments on the evidence you find in your sources, substantiate your claims assiduously, and avoid speculative remarks. All
direct quotations must be indicated with quotation marks. Do not include phrases or sentences from your sources and present
them as your own.
The Prospectus

For the short research paper you will present a prospectus in class. This will include a statement of purpose, a working
thesis, a brief statement on the progress of research, and provisional sources. The prospectus will be handed in, but it may
be in the form of a draft and notes.

(a) The statement of purpose: what you are attempting to prove or demonstrate in your argument and
why this is a valid subject for research. (25-50 words)

(b) A working thesis: the central claim of your argument, which should be clearly focused, but still
provisional. (15-25 words)

(c) A brief statement on the progress of research: what you have discovered thus far. Did you have to
choose a new subject? Did you have to change your approach to your original subject? Did you find
unexpected information or material? Has your quest for information been difficult or easy? Why?
Have you relied more on articles or books? Also, present three main points of your argument. (200-
400 words)

(d) Provisional sources: list at least three sources you have investigated and state why you chose them.
In listing these sources, use the MLA format for a “works cited” page. (see 59b and p. 532 in the handbook)

Criteria for Peer Reviews (bring your handbook to class.)

The first version of your personal approaches paper will be read by another student in class before you hand it in and you
will read the paper of another student. Before coming to class on the day of this assignment, please read and consider the
following criteria and apply them to you own paper as you revise it. On the day of the assignment, please bring these
criteria to class with you and mark the paper of the other student according to these criteria. Write your name on the front
page of the paper you mark as your diligence in helping your peer will be considered part of your class participation grade.

The argument:
• What kind of argument is the author of the essay using?
• Is it the most effective strategy for this topic?
• Is the argument sustained throughout with claims and pertinent evidence?
• Is it clearly introduced and concluded?

The thesis:
• Is it clearly stated?
• Is it arguable or will it lead to observations?
• Does it follow logically from the introductory discussion?
• Could it be more focused?

Paragraphs:
• Are the paragraphs units of argument that clearly support the thesis?
• Are they introduced with a claim that links them to the thesis?
• Are they logically coherent with smooth transitions and easily discernable progression of thought?
• Are they effectively concluded?