English 112 

Macbeth Annotated Bibliography

Assignment: 1) Pick a topic (topics listed below), 2) research sources related to this topic, and 3) compile an annotated bibliography that evaluates and discusses these sources (details listed below).  

Note: these will be the sources you will later use when you write the Macbeth Research Essaythe essay is the assignment we will complete AFTER this bibliography.

The objective of the Macbeth Annotated Bibliography is to find, evaluate and discuss, and create MLA citations for the sources that you will later use to write the Macbeth Research Essay.  After you turn in this bibliography, you will use these sources to write the next assignmentthe Macbeth Research Essay.  I have included topics and step-by-step directions later in this document.  Be sure to read this entire document.  Also be sure to review the Sample Bibliography posted to Moodle.  

Sources:

You should include at least four sources.  Two sources should be scholarlyjournal articles or books published in academic publications.  The other sources can be A, B, or C level based on the Veracity Scale DocumentReview the Veracity Scale Discussion notes when determining source grades.  

You can use Macbeth as a source if you would like.  If you use the play as a source, be sure to use and cite the text we are using in class (No Fear Macbeth).  See the Moodle page for the correct citation; grade the play as A=Objective. Be sure to use the original verse (not the modern translation).  

Avoid study aid websites like Shmoop, enotes, Cliffsnotes, Sparksnotes, UK Essays, Anti-essays, etc.  If your bibliography contains study aid sources, expect significant point deductions.  To earn maximum credit, you should exceed the minimum number of sources.  Also, higher quality sources (scholarly articles) will earn higher grades.  Do not use any sample student papers as sources.  PHD dissertations and masters theses are fine to use. Review the Sample Annotated Bibliography on Moodlethis will help you conceptualize the assignment.   

Format: MLA.  Do not use a citation builder for the citations; use the notes posted to Moodle.  Be sure to list the citations in alphabetical order.  

Due: On Moodle.  See Moodle for the due date.

POV: 1st person (saying I will use is fine) and 3rd person.  Avoid 2nd person (do not talk directly to the reader by using you/your).  

Avoid plagiarism: Summarize, discuss, and analyze the sources in your own words.  Do not copy sections from the source and change a few words.  Do not include any direct quotes.  Do not use another students paper.  If you are repeating this class, choose a different topic and different sources.  Do not recycle papers.  

Tone: Formal.  Use academic language.  Avoid slang, colloquialisms, and conversational language.  Avoid contractions.  Be sure to edit for grammar and punctuation.  

Below are the topics for the Macbeth Bibliography (remember, after completing this bibliography, you will write an essay about this topic).  

Choose ONE of the following topics.  Then, begin researching the topic.  The goal of the Annotated Bibliography is to find quality sources that will allow you to develop the Macbeth Research Essay, which you will write later in the semester.  

1)Discuss Macbeths mental deterioration in the play.  

Track his symptoms and diagnose the illness/illnesses he likely suffered from, explaining why with examples from the text and from outside sources.  

Discuss the events/characters who exacerbate his condition.  

Also discuss how the mental illness exacerbated his actions and fate.  

2)Examine the role of Lady Macbeth in the play.  

What impact did she have on Macbeth and thus the events of the play?  

What is her mental state and how does it compare with that of her husband?  How does it change? 

Is Lady Macbeth more (or less) responsible for the trail of carnage they leave?  How/why?

3)Examine the theme of mental illness in the play.  

What is the role that mental illness serves in the play?  

How does Shakespeare allude to mental illness?  

Which characters suffer from mental illness?  Identify the illnesses.  How does it impact their actions and the plot?  

4)Discuss the role of prophecy in the play.  

Was Macbeths fall fate or free will? 

Was Macbeths prophecy self-fulfilling?  Why?  

What role did the witches play in Macbeths actions and fate?  

How does prophecy connect with ambition and mental illness? 

Directions: 

Reminder (one more time): For the Macbeth Research Bibliography, you will find and discuss sources related to the topic you chose.  Later in the semester, you will use these sources to write the Macbeth Research Essay.  So the idea for the bibliography is that you find, evaluate, and create MLA citations for sources related to your topic.  After you turn in the Research Bibliography, you will use these sources to write the Macbeth Research Essay.  Therefore, when you write the essay, you will not have to find sources, because you will already have done the research.   

1)Read Macbeth and take the quizzes.

2)Choose a topic for the Macbeth Research Bibliography and Essay.   See topics above. 

3)Begin researching your topic.  Find at least four sources to use in your Macbeth Research Essay. 

At least two sources should be A=Scholarly sources, based on the Veracity Scale (posted to Moodle).  Use the Veracity Scale as a frame of reference to ensure the sources are scholarly.  

All other sources should be at least C level (however the stronger your sources, the higher your grade will betry to use all A level sources). 

One source can be the text of the play we are using in class.  Be sure to cite the text we are usingsee Moodle Module 1 for the correct citation.  Also, understand that this text is not a scholarly sourceyou can grade it A=Objective.

Do not use study aid sources in the bibliography or essay.  Review the Sample Annotated Bibliography for reference.

4)The paper should be written in MLA format: double spaced, 12 pt. font, proper heading, aligned left with 1-inch margins, etc.  Format titles correctly: italicize major works, use quotes for minor works (like articles).  Include a title for your paperMacbeth Annotated Bibliography is fine.

5)Begin the paper with a paragraph that explains the topic you have chosen and briefly overview the sources.  

6) Then, list the first source (alphabetical order by the citation) First, list the MLA citation for the source (remember to use a hanging indentation).  Be sure the citations are correctavoid citation builders because they are often incorrect.  Use the Citing Scholarly Journal Articles and Citing Web Sources notes on Moodle.

7) After listing MLA the citation for the first source, go to the next line and write a paragraph or more that evaluates/discusses the source.  

In this paragraph, do 3 things: 

1)Give the source a grade based on the Veracity Scale and explain why the sources deserves this grade.  Be sure to examine and discuss the author and publication.  Use the Veracity Scale when determining grades, so you are sure you assign correct grades.  

2)Summarizes the sourcediscuss the content in your own words.  Show me you have read it.   

3)End the paragraph with a few sentences that explain why the source is valuable or how you will use it when you write the essay.  

8)Then, repeat the process with your next source.  

9)After listing the final source, you are donedo not include an additional Works Cited page.

10)Your paper will be graded on the following points:

How strong are your sources?  Did you include at least four?  Including non-academic sources will negatively impact the grade.  Exceeding the minimum number (as well as the minimum number of scholarly sources) will help improve your grade

Did you correctly grade the sources?  Did you explain why the sources earn their grades in detail?

Are your MLA citations formatted correctly?

Is the rest of the essay formatted correctly?

Does the essay avoid plagiarism?  

Does the essay follow the directions listed on the prompt?  

Do not rely on citation buildersthey are often incorrect.  Use the MLA notes on Moodle.

11) One way to ensure you receive the highest grade is to send me a rough draft in advance.  Rough drafts are not required, and they are not part of the course grading, but they are beneficial for the students who choose to complete them.  Also, feel free to email me questions as they arise.  See Moodle for rough draft due dates.  

12)The paper is due in the Turnitin link on Moodle.  The essay is not considered turned in until it is submitted in the correct Turnitin link on Moodle.  Once the paper is submitted, it will be run through a plagiarism filter.  

13) See Moodle for the essay due date.  Be sure you attach the correct file.  It is a good idea to mark your final draft as specifically as possible:  Macbeth Annotated Bibliography Final Draft.  When you submit the paper, you will receive a digital receipt so you can verify your submission.  Keep the receipt.  Note: the digital receipt does not show you the entire documentonly a snapshot.  Before the due date, you can resubmit the essay three times, so if you realize you forgot to add something or submitted an incorrect file, you can resubmit your paper.  After the due date, you cannot add a new file.  

14)Papers that score under 70% (as long as the point deductions are not due to late deductions or plagiarism) can be resubmitted, according to the Syllabus Resubmission Policy.  Review the policy in the Syllabus and include a cover letter.  I will send out an announcement to the class that gives the due date for resubmissions.