US II Honors Research Paper
Objective: to become familiar with and competent in historical research, and to explore a topic of your choice selected from the list of topics in more depth and possibly connected in someway to your own family.
History derives from a Greek word meaning “inquiry.” In its most true form, History is just that: an investigation, even an interrogation, of primary and secondary sources. In an effort to “do” history this year, you will be conducting your investigation into a topic of your choice. Yes, that sense of fear and loathing filling your body is warranted, as you will be writing an extensive but rewarding research paper over the next several months.
Specifications:
Length: 10 pages minimum, 12+ pages maximum.
Format: Typed, double-spaced, black ink
Sources: You will need to employ at least four primary sources in your analysis, and at least five secondary sources. These must include at least two printed sources.
Grading: You will be graded on the following:
-Timely submission of initial assignments
-Research
-A clear and specific thesis
-Paragraphs that use primary and source material to prove that thesis
-Grammar and Style
-Citation
Timeline:
This assignment is long term, and as such will be divided into several steps.
Research Topic Selection: (HW Grade) Due: Friday, October 7, 2016
Send me your topics via Google Drive.
Submit to me THREE possible topics you would like to research. The topic can come from any topic on the Research Topic List. They should be submitted in order of preference. For example:
1) The Occupation of the Philippines and the Imperialist/Anti-Imperialist Debate;
2) The social and religious origins of Prohibition;
3) The impact of the Great Depression on women in urban areas.
Research Question Selection: (HW Grade) DUE: Monday, October 17, 2016
Having selected a topic, you must now form a research question. This question must not be too broad or too narrow. For instance: How effective have US Presidents been from 1900 to 1960? (too broad) or How did Protestant women in Buffalo, New York foster sentiment for the prohibition movement? (too narrow). Instead, choose a question that you can effectively answer as a high school student over the course of several months.
Initial Annotated Bibliography: (HW Grade) DUE: Wednesday, November 9, 2016
The bibliography will follow Chicago/Turabian style.
Thesis and Main Points: (HW Grade) DUE: Wednesday, December 7, 2016
A summary of your thesis and main points must be approved by me before you proceed further. Your thesis should be clear and specific, and your main points should support your thesis. You can change your thesis statement as you approach your final submission, but I would like to feel confident that you have an effective working argument at this point. Continue gathering research!
Progress Check (How much have you done? What do you need help with?)
(HW Grade) DUE: Friday, January 6, 2017
(not-so) Rough Draft: (Test Grade) DUE: Friday, February 10, 2017
I will grade and comment on your rough draft in order to help you craft a final draft you can be proud of. The comments will not be exhaustive- employ peer editors!
Final Paper: (Research Grade) DUE: Friday, March 24, 2017
This is it! Hand it in to me – with your rough draft!
I am available to conference about your topic, your drafts, and your progress at any time throughout the writing process.
ANY QUESTIONS: e-mail me at [email protected]
Objective: to become familiar with and competent in historical research, and to explore a topic of your choice selected from the list of topics in more depth and possibly connected in someway to your own family.
History derives from a Greek word meaning “inquiry.” In its most true form, History is just that: an investigation, even an interrogation, of primary and secondary sources. In an effort to “do” history this year, you will be conducting your investigation into a topic of your choice. Yes, that sense of fear and loathing filling your body is warranted, as you will be writing an extensive but rewarding research paper over the next several months.
Specifications:
Length: 10 pages minimum, 12+ pages maximum.
Format: Typed, double-spaced, black ink
Sources: You will need to employ at least four primary sources in your analysis, and at least five secondary sources. These must include at least two printed sources.
Grading: You will be graded on the following:
-Timely submission of initial assignments
-Research
-A clear and specific thesis
-Paragraphs that use primary and source material to prove that thesis
-Grammar and Style
-Citation
Timeline:
This assignment is long term, and as such will be divided into several steps.
Research Topic Selection: (HW Grade) Due: Friday, October 7, 2016
Send me your topics via Google Drive.
Submit to me THREE possible topics you would like to research. The topic can come from any topic on the Research Topic List. They should be submitted in order of preference. For example:
1) The Occupation of the Philippines and the Imperialist/Anti-Imperialist Debate;
2) The social and religious origins of Prohibition;
3) The impact of the Great Depression on women in urban areas.
Research Question Selection: (HW Grade) DUE: Monday, October 17, 2016
Having selected a topic, you must now form a research question. This question must not be too broad or too narrow. For instance: How effective have US Presidents been from 1900 to 1960? (too broad) or How did Protestant women in Buffalo, New York foster sentiment for the prohibition movement? (too narrow). Instead, choose a question that you can effectively answer as a high school student over the course of several months.
Initial Annotated Bibliography: (HW Grade) DUE: Wednesday, November 9, 2016
The bibliography will follow Chicago/Turabian style.
Thesis and Main Points: (HW Grade) DUE: Wednesday, December 7, 2016
A summary of your thesis and main points must be approved by me before you proceed further. Your thesis should be clear and specific, and your main points should support your thesis. You can change your thesis statement as you approach your final submission, but I would like to feel confident that you have an effective working argument at this point. Continue gathering research!
Progress Check (How much have you done? What do you need help with?)
(HW Grade) DUE: Friday, January 6, 2017
(not-so) Rough Draft: (Test Grade) DUE: Friday, February 10, 2017
I will grade and comment on your rough draft in order to help you craft a final draft you can be proud of. The comments will not be exhaustive- employ peer editors!
Final Paper: (Research Grade) DUE: Friday, March 24, 2017
This is it! Hand it in to me – with your rough draft!
I am available to conference about your topic, your drafts, and your progress at any time throughout the writing process.
ANY QUESTIONS: e-mail me at [email protected]