To use scholarly sources in WS or not? Start from scratch?

[aves]

Hello all, I'm going to be applying for English PhD programs and a few Masters programs as well. Not every program specifies the type of sample they want, but I've seen a couple call for critical essays. I'm wondering if most programs prefer an essay analyzing a text with no scholarly sources (simply all of your own ideas/arguments) or if they'd prefer one that analyzes a text but utilizes scholarly sources? Does anyone have experience (good or bad) with either? Since this is for English programs, I really don't want to mess this part up! 

I have more well-written essays that only have the primary text as a source and an essay I have in mind that uses a lot of scholarly sources, but it needs work for sure. I would certainly be willing to make changes though. Or I was even thinking of starting from scratch, but being out of school for a couple of years now I don't have access to the databases like I used to. Any feedback is much appreciated! 

[cowgirlsdontcry]

It is my belief that most English departments prefer critical essays with an argument that utilizes analysis as a way supporting their specific argument. I used a chapter of my Master's thesis before I added references to the other texts I was using of the author. It had a number of outside sources. I would think that you would submit a WS that is within the realm of your major research and focus area. For instance, I'm contemporary American Lit (both 20th/21st centuries, with a subgenre of Southern Lit). My WS encompasses both of those areas. I supported that idea within my SOP as to the research I wish to pursue. Since you have an undergrad degree, it is possible that your decisions regarding research and specialization are still in the forming stage. In that case use a paper you really liked and work on it.

Good luck!

[aves]

17 hours ago, cowgirlsdontcry said:

It is my belief that most English departments prefer critical essays with an argument that utilizes analysis as a way supporting their specific argument. I used a chapter of my Master's thesis before I added references to the other texts I was using of the author. It had a number of outside sources. I would think that you would submit a WS that is within the realm of your major research and focus area. For instance, I'm contemporary American Lit (both 20th/21st centuries, with a subgenre of Southern Lit). My WS encompasses both of those areas. I supported that idea within my SOP as to the research I wish to pursue. Since you have an undergrad degree, it is possible that your decisions regarding research and specialization are still in the forming stage. In that case use a paper you really liked and work on it.

Good luck!

Thank you so much for your feedback!! That is definitely helpful to know! I think since I've been out of school for a couple years too, it'd just be too difficult to start from scratch, so I will improve upon an old paper. Thank you!

[Doll Tearsheet]

Yes it is required. If you don't have access to databases, can you go to the local library? Not only should the WS have scholarly sources, but it should also try to appear original and connected to current literary debates on some level. (The latter is especially true of the PHD level)