Research Paper

During the course of the semester each student will select a topic from the time period we cover, in which to conduct adequate research to independently author a twelve page (12) paper. Each student will also provide the rest of the class with a short summary of their findings during one of the final class sessions.

Paper requirements:

1.      A proposed topic describing the direction of the paper including a clearly written thesis statement                                                        (due week 10)

2.      A tentative outline                                                                 (due week 12)

3.      Final paper and in-class presentation

A.     Each paper must include the use of at least two (2) different primary sources.

·         Your paper must include photocopies of the primary source documents utilized

B.      Each paper must be at least twelve (12) full pages and also include a bibliography.

C.     Since this is a history paper, it must be formatted in MLA form. (Also known as Turabian) APA style is not appropriate and will not be accepted.

D.    Use margins, fonts, sizing and footnotes as in Turabian.

E.      Due dates for the paper will be randomly and evenly assigned amongst the three presentation dates – except for those choosing to volunteer to present and submit their paper on the first day of presentations.

Bibliography example (Times New Roman 12pt)

Jensen, Merrill. The Articles of Confederation; an Interpretation of the Social-Constitutional History of the American Revolution 1774-1781. Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin Press, 1970.

[Indent all but first line] [Alphabetize list by author’s last name] [Author name: Last, First]. [Title (italicized)].[City of Publication], [State]: [Publisher], [Year].

Footnote Example (Times New Roman 10pt)

[1] Merrill Jensen, The Articles of Confederation; an Interpretation of the Social-Constitutional History of the American Revolution 1774-1781, Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin Press, 1970, 224.

[Indent first line only] [Number of footnote] [Author name], [Title (italicized)], [City of Publication], [State]: [Publisher], [Year], [Page of citation].

The university’s policy regarding unascribed work (plagiarism) is immediate failure from the course, and inclusion of this fact in your student record, which the school sends to any school to which you will send a transcript.

Protect yourself and recognize the work of others by properly attributing your ideas.

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