Purpose
Learners will write a research paper analyzing a historical topic covered in the course, demonstrating the ability to locate sources, and clearly communicate an argument that analyzes complex historical questions.
Objectives
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a historically relevant topic/question
- Demonstrate research skills by providing relevant information to support their interpretation and argument of historical question
Details
- Students will begin by selecting a topic of their choice covered during the course
- Students will then develop an historically relevant question that analyzes various aspects of Western Civilizations
- Students will need to develop questions that address questions of how or why rather than factually based questions, students want to an analytical essay and not a report
- Students must then locate at least 10 sources (5 primary and 5 secondary) that will assist them in answering their question(s)
- Primary source material includes sources from the period being studied and can include, but are not limited to: letters, histories, journals, paintings, architecture, sculpture, etc.
- Acceptable secondary source material would include, but not limited to scholarly journal articles, appropriate scholarly databases and websites (official museums and libraries), historical documentaries that demonstrate rigorous scholarly research, etc.
- Students should consult the assigned reader, online librarian, or instructor for assistance in obtaining sources
- Students will then write a formal 2500-3000-word analytical essay that presents a clear argument or thesis that may be supported by secondary and primary sources
- Essays should be submitted as a PDF or DOCX
- Format should include Times New Roman 12-in font, standard margins, and double spaced
- Proper citations should be used for all references made to sources along with a Works Cited page using the Chicago style