Literature Research and Passion Project Ideas for High School Students

Are you the type of person who is fascinated by literary texts? If you absorb yourself into different writings to gain a better understanding of that time period, or if you enjoy researching things to find new information to share with the world, you’re well on your way to becoming a literary scholar!

Consider taking your love for literature to the next level by using your passion to create something tangible!

10 Creative Project Ideas for Literature

Unleash your creativity (and your inner bookworm) with these literature project ideas for high school students:

1. Art interpreting art: where one medium meets another

They say creativity knows no bounds, and there's a unique synergy between music and literature. For this project, examine how these art forms intertwine. Consider the stories told through lyrical compositions and how literary themes are echoed in musical pieces. 

In fact, you may want to think about a collaborative project in which words and melodies coexist to deepen your understanding (and appreciation) of both. With Polygence Pods, you can connect with your peers who are equally passionate about artistic expression to enhance both your insights and final presentations.

Idea by English and literature mentor R.J.

2. Who's the real hero of the Odyssey?

For this project, you will start by reading Homer's Odyssey before taking a deeper dive into your findings of that specific time period. Compare the definition of what a “hero” is today versus what a “hero” was in the eyes of the Ancient Greeks. 

Challenge traditional narratives by evaluating the roles of gods and humans, and craft an argument that reveals who truly embodies heroism. You can use Polygence Pods to discuss your findings with other literature enthusiasts, gaining new perspectives along the way.

Idea by English and literature mentor Sydnie.

3. At the crossroads of literature and anthropology

Museums hold the stories of our past and are just waiting for inquiring minds to explore them, so visit a museum and choose any collection that stands out to you the most! 

Once you’ve chosen, research the history behind the collection. When was the time period? What is the story behind the collection? Who was involved? You can add your research to the museum’s archives, write a paper, or whatever else you’d like to do using your findings! 

Idea by English and literature mentor Will.

4. Literature, violence, trauma    

Create your own literature course that revolves around a major historical event. The course will allow you to take a deeper dive into a mass shooting, a war, 9/11, or whatever event you would like to choose. 

Idea by English and literature mentor Anne-Marie.

5. Literary magazine concept design

Are you a fan of literary magazines? If so, why not create one yourself?! To begin, gain a deeper understanding of the foundation needed to create your magazine by analyzing others! 

Do some digging and take note of the funding required, writings found within the overall design, and other important aspects revolving around magazine creation. Once you have a better understanding of how the process works, get to work on your own. 

Idea by English and literature mentor Margarita. 

6. What is "Asian American" literature?

Deconstruct the elements that define Asian American literature. 

Does Asian American literature need to revolve around Asian American characters? Does the piece actually need to be written by an Asian American author? 

The question at hand is, what distinguishes “Asian American” literature from literature? Read through writings that are categorized as Asian American literature to gain an understanding of what they all have in common. Then, write a research paper on your findings. 

Want to go one step further? Take advantage of Polygence Pods, where you can participate in conversations with other students researching similar topics to broaden your scope and understanding.

Idea by English and literature mentor Jennifer.

7. Women in the Hebrew Bible

Choose a few stories from the Hebrew Bible that revolve around women. Analyze these stories to determine the type of women portrayed in each. 

For example, did the women at hand value being mothers? Cheat on their husbands? Save the day? Receive neglect? Using your findings, describe what the Hebrew Bible tells us about a woman’s place in these times. How does that compare to today?

Idea by English and literature mentor Danielle.

8. Literary analysis

Select a text that speaks to you and dissect it thoroughly. Examine its characters, themes, and narrative style, aiming to distill its essence into an analytical essay. This project can be your ticket to essay contests and academic journals, showcasing your scholarly prowess. 

Polygence mentors will guide you, helping hone your analytical skills and enhance the quality of your work.

Idea by English and literature mentor Caitlin. 

9. What difference does translation make?

In our world of instant translation a la Google Translate, does the art of literary translation still hold value? Put it to the test by comparing different translations of the same text. 

Analyze nuances lost or gained and determine the role of human interpretation in preserving a text's soul. Collaborate with Polygence Pods to exchange findings, benefiting from a collective exploration of language and meaning.

Idea by English and literature mentor Hector. 

10. The ins and outs of literary analysis

Select an author and get ready to dig deep. Scrutinize their work to uncover thematic consistencies and stylistic quirks. Develop an analytical piece that offers new insights into the author's oeuvre, helping you think like a true literary scholar. 

With the support of Polygence mentors, you can gain the tools necessary to conduct thorough analyses and present your findings compellingly.

Idea by English and literature mentor Jin. 

Partner With Polygence on Your Literature Passion Project

If any of these literature projects interest you, or if you have another idea in mind, Polygence is here to help you develop your passion project through our innovative Pods program. Our Pods offer a flexible, personalized learning environment where you can explore your interests with expert guidance.

With Pods, you’ll be paired with a mentor specializing in your area of interest. This gives you personalized support in a structure that’s meant to fit your schedule, allowing you to work at your own pace. 

Polygence believes that students learn best when they can follow their passions. Because of this, Polygence students boast a 91% acceptance rate to R1 universities, and 84% of them feel more optimistic about their academic futures.

Just take it from Hannah, who worked with Polygence to write a five-act play about Dutch history in 16th-century Harlem: “My mentor, Elizabeth, was excellent! The experience was truly collaborative as we built ideas off of each other to create a carefully crafted piece.”

Ready to start your own literature passion project? Sign up for Polygence Pods and begin your creative journey now. Explore your interests, develop your skills - and make your mark. Let Polygence Pods help you get started.

Related Content

Literature Projects Completed by Polygence Students

• Amplifying Marginalized Voices: Postcolonial Literature and Creative Writing

• Literature's "Dream Model"

• Vianca's Book Reviews

• How Did Albert Camus Respond to the German Occupation of France and French Colonialism in His Novel The Plague?

• The Myth of Io in Ovid and Beyond: Voice, Sexuality, and Lamentation

Literature Scholar Project Portfolios

• Geetika Mahajan: Emancipatory Politics during the Arab Spring in Connection with Literature and the Arts

• Joy Okunada: Society Scorned ‘His Last Letter’: Analysis of Black Masculinity and Black Femininity in the Book “Don’t Cry For Me”

Literature Research Resources for High School Students

• Arts and Humanities Summer Research Opportunities for High School Students

• Arts & Humanities Research Project Ideas for Students

• Literature and Languages Research Program Mentors for High School Students

• The Importance of Showcasing Your Research

• How to Showcase Your Research Project

• Research on Your College Applications: How Should You Frame It?