Cape Ann Art & Culture Research Paper: How to Write a Thesis
Think about what you have learned about the topic. What aspect of the topic do you think you could interpret or analyze or compare or evaluate?
Then turn that aspect of the topic into a question.
Your clear, supportable, debatable, insightful, meaningful (perhaps even original) answer to the question will be your thesis.
What’s due and when?
Bring your question and thesis to class tomorrow, Friday, May 21 and post your question and thesis in the comment box on the blog by class time on Monday, May 24.
On Friday we will "workshop" the questions and thesis statements. Then we will work on writing the paper itself (1000+ words with at least three sources cited in the text and a works cited page--you've already found the sources!). A complete first draft of the paper will be due in class on Friday, May 28 and the final draft of the paper with developed and supported thesis, in-text citations from at least three sources, a Works Cited page with at least three sources, and an annotated bibliography of “Works Consulted” will be due Tuesday, June 1.
Some ideas for getting started.
• Begin with a depiction of Gloucester from the readings. Apply it to your topic. Agree, disagree and/or revise that depiction of Gloucester using your research as support. You might take a quotation.
• Begin with an artist’s or poet’s take/use of your topic. Explain and analyze this take on the topic. Or, evaluate and judge this take.
• Begin with the changes that have taken place with your topic over time. Explain and analyze these changes. Evaluate and judge these changes. Predict future changes. Propose and defend preservation. Advocate for a certain kind of change.
• Begin with a comparison. The comparison could be within your topic. (Compare the meaning of two parts of Fiesta.) The comparison could be with your topic in Gloucester and the same topic elsewhere. (Compare St. Peter celebrations in Gloucester with those in Sicily.) The comparison could be between your topic and something new. (Compare Fitz Henry Lane’s paintings to Winslow Homer’s. Compare the poetry of Gloucester’s first Poet Laureate, Vincent Ferrini, to the current Poet Laureate, John Ronan.)
• Explain, analyze, evaluate, judge…the meaning of some aspect of the topic, the reason for some aspect of the topic, the cause of some aspect of the topic, etc.
Some examples of questions
• For example, if your topic is St. Peter's Fiesta you might explain why certain saints are venerated during St. Peter's Fiesta. (In the form of a question: why are St. Peter and Mary venerated during Fiesta?)
• Or, if your topic is Stage Fort Park you might compare its past uses to its present uses. Or, if your topic is fishing you might compare schooner fishing to trawler fishing in Gloucester. (How did the change from sails to engines change affect Gloucester industrially and culturally?)
• Or, if your topic is painters of Gloucester you might analyze Fitz Henry Lane's use of light and precise detail in his paintings. (What is significant about Lane's use light and detail in his paintings?)
• Or, if your topic is Charles Olson you might interpret the meaning of one or more of his poems that interest you. (What is the meaning and significance of "Letter Six" of the Maximus Poems?)
Some examples of questions and answers
• Why are St. Peter and Mary venerated during Fiesta?
• The veneration of the statues of St. Peter and Mary symbolize the importance of fishing and family to Sicilian-Americans and other Catholics in Gloucester.
• How did the change from sails to engines change fishing?
• The change from sails to engines led to a change in fishing practices that end up endangering the fishing stocks for future generations.
• What is significant about Lane's use light and detail in his paintings?
• Fitz Henry Lane uses light to convey luminous, transcendent beauty and, conversely uses to precise details to evoke the material reality of man's relationship with nature.
• What is the meaning and significance of "Letter Six" of the Maximus Poems?
• In "Letter Six" Charles Olson asserts the necessity of attention and care from all citizens of a place if that place is to thrive.
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15 comments:
How has Rocky Neck impacted the United States culturally as a whole?
Rocky neck has provided a community where artists can go and use their inspiration to their full potential throughout its history.
Vincent Ferrini’s heart and soul were put into his poetry, naming him the conscience of Gloucester. His words influenced not only the minds of individuals, but the culture of a city as a whole.
Tom Martin
How affective is the presence of theatre in Cape Ann? According to many perspectives, very. The presence of theatre in Cape Ann, mostly professional theatre, is very influential to the portrayal of the culture. Therefore, more attention should be made to theatre arts in the public schools, where it is lacking support in some areas.
Is Dogtown continuous with the other parts of Gloucester?
Although Dogtown is geographically included in the city of Gloucester the area itself has a very different history and significance than other parts of the town.
Question
What makes Gloucester architecture more special than anywhere else?
Thesis
Some people express their personality in a book or a picture; architects on the other hand express their personality in something that people live in for most of their lives. Gloucester is known for its intricate architecture such as city hall and other buildings.
How has Magnolia’s history impacted how it is today?
Thesis: Magnolias history of big hotels and fancy people has shaped a village based on high values such as courteousness and helpfulness. Magnolia has retained its values and shown that it has a high standard for its people.
Jeremiah Sweet
How / In what ways did Howard Blackburn effect the fishing industry in Gloucester throughout his lifetime?
During the lifetime of Howard Blackburn, the fishing of Gloucester reached its peak. Howard Blackburn played a large role in the success of the industry because not only was he a fisherman himself, but also because of his famous journey at sea where he escaped near death. His story inspired other fishermen while they were working and drew more men into the industry.
Email: slimebob@verizon.net
What has been the impact of the sea and fishing in his life to fuel him to become so passionate about life on the sea?
Throughout Joseph E Garlands life his experiences in sea and fishing have fueled him to write some of the most passionate and influential stories of life on the sea in the 20th century.
How is Fitz Lane's paintings different from other painters?
Fitz Henry Lane, a well-known historical figure in Gloucester, uses scenic Gloucester Harbor, such as fishing boats, fishermen, and the activity, to influence his work.
Is Fiesta more about partying and having a good time or about religion?
Today Fiesta seems to be more of a place to have a good time, but there are still some people of the older generation that consider it to be more of a religious celebration. As the younger generations age will the Fiesta become more about having a good time during the events and partying than about religion?
In what ways/ how have the Finns established their identity in Lanesville/ Gloucester?
When the Finns first came to Lanesville in 1870, they brought with them their traditions and cultural values. Not only did these aspects influence Lanesville and help establish their identity in it, but also the attitude and integrity they carried themselves with did. :)
email: mropsalm139@comcast.net
cchristopher93@hotmail.com
I handed mine in on friday and it was typed on the library computer so I wasn't able to post it because I forget exactly what I had written but I will post it once I get it back
The decline of fishing in Gloucester cannot be attributed to a single action, decision, or policy. The decline occurred, and continues to happen, because of a deadly combination of factors including the overuse of resources, increased government regulation, and the increasing publicity and accessibility to the uniqueness of the city.
What does the Man at The Wheel Statue mean to Gloucester's community?
The Man at The Wheel Statue means to Gloucester what the American flag means to the country of America. The statue not only resembles strength but honor, sorrow, heart ache, hope, and integrity.
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