What ideas/themes/conflicts in the play are of interest to a Christian?

Play Script Research Paper Handout
Play papers must be 6-8 pages in length, double-spaced, and 12 pt font.
Any papers shorter than six full pages will result in the loss of one letter grade.

You must reference at least four sources in your paper (the play does not count as a source). You must be discriminating in your use of online websites. Many are unscholarly, unsupported, and sometimes completely inaccurate. Online journals, newspapers, and magazine articles are good online sources.
When writing your paper, you must follow the MLA stylebook (or another widely recognized citation format.) I will consider how the paper is written in addition to the content when assigning grades.
1. You should begin your paper by providing a brief synopsis of the play. This should be no more than one page of your paper. You will need to hit the most important events of the play—you can’t cover everything that happens.
2. Follow your synopsis with a discussion of critical responses you have found about the play. What are the common interpretations of the play and major themes that are discussed? Where do critics differ in their interpretations? Your section on the critical responses to the play should be about one-two pages of your paper.
3. Next you should discuss the play in production. What past productions did you find during your research, and how did they stage the play? This section on the play in performance should be about one-two pages of your paper.
4. You should next consider the spiritual content of the play. What ideas/themes/conflicts in the play are of interest to a Christian? Your consideration of the spiritual content should be about one page of your paper.
5. Finally you should conclude your paper with a brief summary of your findings. You conclusion should be approximately one page of your paper.
Possible Play Titles to Examine (Prior Approval Needed for Titles Not on This List):
Antigone, Oedipus at Colonus, The Birds, The Frogs, The Clouds, The Archarnians, The Misanthrope, The Doctor in Spite of Himself, any play by Shakespeare (not including Hamlet), Tamburlaine, Dr. Faustus, The Jew of Malta, Volpone, The Alchemist, and The Spanish Tragedy.
Rubric
Play Script Research Paper
Play Script Research Paper
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWorks Cited/Sources
Four sources, not including the playscript.
25 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
25 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBrief Synopsis
A one page overview of the play script, hitting the highlights.
40 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
40 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCritical Responses to Play
Discusses how the play has been interpreted/analyzed in the past.
40 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
40 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePlay in Production
Describe significant productions of the play—how they were staged.
40 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
40 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSpiritual Content
Consider the spiritual content of the play.
40 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
40 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeConclusion
Summarize findings in previous sections of paper, final reflections.
40 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
40 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePaper Length
6-8 page requirement met.
25 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
25 pts
Total Points: 250

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