This format for the research project focuses on examining the authenticity of Guy Gavriel Kay’s novel, The Lions of al-Rassan in relation to medieval Spanish history. Here we are not concerned about specific accurate details (for example, our goal is not to determine if the clothing is accurate to the time period based on the available evidence) but to examine if we believe the novel successfully captures the spirit or representation of the past as we know it, based on the research we have done.
For more information, see: Laura Saxton, “A True Story: Defining Accuracy and Authenticity in Historical Fiction”, Rethinking History 24.2 (2020): 127-144.
Available here:
Option A: Research Essay
The proposal for your research essay should include:
- A list of the potential research questions that will guide your project. These questions should be open-ended. For example, you might ask “How does Guy Gavriel Kay’s novel reflect the experience of Jewish women?” instead of “Does Guy Gavriel Kay present an authentic representation of Jewish women’s experiences?”
- A discussion of why these research questions interest you and how you might go about answering them. At this point, you should NOT have a thesis statement as that will develop as you do further research. (two to three paragraphs)
- Two shorter primary sources or one longer primary source. Please include a brief summary of these sources and why you think they will be helpful for your project.
- Four secondary sources (academic articles or books). Please include a brief summary of these secondary sources and why you think they will be helpful for your project. At this point of your research, you only need to have read one of them (the article you focused on for your Source Analysis).
Option B: Artistic Representation
The proposal for your artistic representation should include:
- A discussion of what aspect of Kay’s novel has inspired your artistic piece. Are you going to look at a particular scene or characters? Are you going to focus on a theme? (one paragraph)
- A description of the artistic medium you have chosen and why you want to work in it for this project. (one paragraph)
- A brief description of what you hope your finished artistic piece will look like (one paragraph). At this point, you are proposing a potential shape for the project but it can, and probably will, change as you continue with your research and artistic work.
Option C: Teaching Tool
The proposal for your teaching tool should include:
- A brief description of what aspect of the novel your teaching tool will focus on and why (one paragraph).
- An overview of what this tool might look like, who it is intended for, and your educational goals of it: (two paragraphs)
- will it be a lesson plan? a video? a podcast? a “wikipedia” type entry?
- What age group is your tool aimed at? Why have you chosen that group?
- What do you hope educators will get out of your tool?
- Two shorter primary sources or one longer primary source. Please include a brief summary of these sources and why you think they will be helpful for your project.
- Four secondary sources (academic articles or books). Please include a brief summary of these secondary sources and why you think they will be helpful for your project. At this point of your research, you only need to have read one of them (the article you focused on for your Source Analysis).
Option D: Podcast Episode (note: you can do a podcast episode as a teaching tool OR one intended for the broader public)
The proposal for your podcast episode should include:
- A brief description of what aspect of the novel your podcast episode will focus on and why. (one paragraph)
- An overview of the potential format your podcast will take. Will you “interview” potential guests? Develop a non-fiction story? (one paragraph)
- Two shorter primary sources or one longer primary source. Please include a brief summary of these sources and why you think they will be helpful for your project.
- Four secondary sources (academic articles or books). Please include a brief summary of these secondary sources and why you think they will be helpful for your project. At this point of your research, you only need to have read one of them (the article you focused on for your Source Analysis).