• This research paper that requires you, first, to critically analyze primary sources and, second, to research related secondary sources. Scholarship provides you with the opportunity to develop research and writing skills as well as to synthesize knowledge about an important subject. Moreover, scholars of history not only discuss the matters of fact but also tell their stories with skill. In order to earn full credit for this component score, you will submit a paper that:
  • Considers the controversial issue announced by the professor in the initial threads for conferencing.
  • Identifies at least 2 examples of primary sources (i.e., letters, diaries, publications) related to the issue.
  • Constructs a thesis statement based upon the examples.
  • Consults a number of additional secondary sources that help to develop a thesis.
  • Incorporates an introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Organizes paragraphs with approximately eight sentences developing a single topic.
  • Elaborates major points with a degree of specificity.
  • Clarifies premises using coherent diction.
  • Avoids spelling errors, awkward language, improper grammar, flawed punctuation, and other technical mistakes.
  • Includes 4 to 6 pages of full typed text.
  • Includes a bibliography, with at least 2 primary and 3 secondary sources listed separately.

All sections of the paper must be in a .doc, .pdf, or .rtf format. Your work should be double-spaced, 12-point sans serif font, with 1inch margins all around. When citing resources, you must adhere strictly to APA, MLA or Chicago style (although you will not be required to provide an abstract for any writing assignment in this course).