History 105-04 Research Paper Directions--Professor Layne

 In addition to course readings, class sessions, and exams, you will also research and write a scholarly paper using the conventions of the discipline of history about a topic relevant to world history to 1500.

The purpose of this research paper is to introduce you to historical research and writing:  choosing a topic, conducting research, developing a thesis, supporting your thesis with evidence, and presenting it in the form of a well written paper.

This project will be worth 30% of your semester grade.

Due Date:  your final paper is due Monday, November 24 (late papers will be penalized 10 points per day until turned in).

Grading Criteria:

You will be graded on the following criteria:

• Meeting the due date

• Correct spelling, grammar, and formatting
• Use of primary and secondary sources; strength of overall evidence
• Strength of the thesis and overall substance of the paper
• Strength of conclusions

 “Conventions of the discipline of history”:

This means that I expect you to cite your sources using footnotes or endnotes and a bibliography using the Chicago style.  Don’t worry if you have no idea what this means—I’ll go over it with you in class well before the final paper is due.

Source Requirements:

You must have minimum of 8 sources— a minimum of 4 of which must be primary.  You may not use Internet secondary sources (like Wikipedia).  You may not use your textbook as a source.  You may not use general encyclopedias (World Book, Britannica, etc.).  Primary sources found on the Internet from reputable sites are acceptable, such as those found here:

http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/index.asp

 Published books and scholarly articles are of course acceptable as primary sources.  If you have specific source questions or “atypical” sources, such as an interview, speak with me directly about it.

Length requirement:

It must be a minimum of 1,750-2,250 words (approximately 7-9 pages).  Any attempt to make your paper appear longer than it actually is (large font, weird spacing, etc.) will result in your grade being penalized.  The paper should have standard margins all around and be typed in 12 point Times New Roman font.

Works Cited Page:

Your paper should also include a Works Cited page listing all sources cited in the paper.  This does not count towards your total page count.

Anything else?

Ask me.

Steps to follow:

• Put the due date on your calendar, set dates for the other steps below:
• Figure out a topic/thesis
• Begin researching
• Libraries
• On-line
• Re-visit/revise/narrow/broaden topic/thesis
• Read/take notes on your sources
• Revisit your thesis and outline the paper as you continue researching
• Draft the paper/revisit the thesis
• Revise the paper
• Revise it again (and maybe again after that)
• Turn it in (on time)

The single most important thing:  give yourself time.

The second-most important thing:  ask for help as soon as you realize you need it.

Grading Rubric:

This is the rubric I’ll be using to grade your paper:

Research Paper Grading Rubric

Professor Layne

Student Name:  ______________________________________

Formatting—20 pts.

• Spelling and grammar—10 pts
• Spacing, formatting and citations—10 pts

_______pts

Use of primary and secondary sources—25 pts.

• Source requirements met/works cited page—10 pts.
• Sources used in a balanced and effective manner—10 pts.
• Includes Works Cited page—5 pts.

_______pts.

Overall Substance of the paper—55 points

o   Includes a clear and well-thought out thesis—10 pts.

o   Thesis is effectively supported by evidence—15 pts.

o   Ideas are presented in a logical and organized manner—10 pts.

o   Conclusions follow logically from evidence—10 pts.

o   Paper demonstrate original critical and historical thought—10 pts.

_______pts.

Total Points/Final Grade:  _____________