¥ ¥ ¥

RESEARCH PROPOSAL GUIDELINES – PROPOSAL DUE APRIL 1

® Your 1-2 Page Research Topic Proposal (plus primary and secondary source list) should:

*include a working title

*describe your research topic (time frame, particular context, the story)

*discuss the larger questions your research will address (wider context, significance)

*list primary and secondary sources (those you already found and those you still need to pursue)

*provide some idea of the conclusions you may draw from your research (your thesis or argument)

Remember:  This is a work in progress. The proposal will help you focus your topic, get clear about available sources, and think about how you will utilize them to make an argument. You may be tentative in your conclusions at this time, and all is subject to change!

¥ ¥ ¥

RESEARCH PAPER GUIDELINES –

PAPER DUE MAY 17 (2-3:15 & 3:30-4:45 sections)

® Your 10-12 page double-spaced research paper must include:

*Use of primary sources, such as oral histories, newspapers, magazines, sound recordings, films, literature, government or other documents. (Minimum of 3 primary sources required).

*Use of secondary sources, such as books and journal articles about your topic. These sources can be found by using the library’s online catalog and databases such as Academic Index, America: History and Life, JSTOR, and Project Muse. Ask the reference librarian for assistance in locating sources, and using databases. (Minimum of 4 secondary sources required, with at least 1 academic journal article).  Attendance at Library Research Workshop is critical for learning database research skills.

*An introduction giving an overview of the topic--main focus, time frame, larger context, important themes, persons or events (approximately 3-4 paragraphs, or 1-2 pages). What is the story you are telling? Why is it important?

*The body of the paper, a logical presentation of your research. This may mean moving chronologically through the material to tell your story, or deciding which part of the story--the sub-topics--works best first, second or third. You may even want to divide the body of the paper into distinct separate sections (let’s say approximately 2-4 parts, each two to four pages) to clearly organize your material in your mind and for the reader.

*A conclusion reviewing and clearly stating your analysis of the material covered. What are the larger implications of your research and argument?

*A citation method of your choice. Footnotes, endnotes, MLA or social science styles are all acceptable, as long as the format you choose is done correctly and consistently. See format sheets available in the reference section of our library for detailed information about how to cite sources, or references such as Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations.

*You may include illustrations, but they must be captioned and referred to in the text. For example, "[See Figure 1]." You cannot assume that the reader will infer the meaning you intend from an image.

*A bibliography (in addition to the 10-12 pages) listing your primary and secondary sources. List primary sources first, alphabetically by author or by title if no author credit is given. Then list secondary sources alphabetically by author.

*Page numbers

*It can be intimidating to think about writing a research paper, especially if you do not have much prior experience. If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of a large project, just keep in mind that if you break down the paper into subtopics, all you have to do is write an introduction (1-2 pages), body of subtopics (2-4 pages each), and a conclusion (1-2 pages) to fulfill the length requirement.

*Pick a topic that you are really excited about! If you are truly interesting in something, doing research on the topic should be fun, not a chore. And, though writing is always a challenge, it will be a lot easier if your topic is something you are motivated to explore and share your insights about.

*Some of your research may already be completed! Feel free to utilize information and to draw upon materials we have covered in class. You may use (and cite, of course) any required films, books or articles as sources of information, ideas and approaches for your paper.

*Plagiarism is a serious offense and can result in a failing grade on your paper and in the course. Make sure to put all direct quotes within quotation marks and to cite these quotes properly. It is also important to cite passages which contain significant facts.