History Term Paper: The Term Paper Requires You

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The term paper requires you, first, to critically analyze primary sources and, second, to research related secondary sources before typing the paper. It provides you with the opportunity to develop research and writing skills as well as to synthesize knowledge about a controversial issue. In order to earn the maximum points, you must submit a paper that accomplishes the following: 1. Considers the controversial issue announced by the instructor in the Content area (also note the initial discussion topic in the Discussions area). 2. Identifies at least four primary sources (i.e., letters, diaries, publications) from Voices of Freedom or other online links provided in the links section of the D2L website (or found by the student that relate to this issue). Also, it uses primary sources throughout the paper rather than simply rewriting what a historian said about a particular topic. 3. Consults two valid secondary sources that help to develop a thesis. 4. Constructs a thesis statement based upon the primary and secondary sources. 5. Incorporates an introduction, body, and conclusion. 6. Organizes paragraphs with approximately eight sentences developing a single topic. 7. Avoids spelling errors, awkward language, improper grammar, flawed punctuation, and other compositional mistakes. 8. Includes at least five pages of full typed text circumscribed by one inch margins, making each double spaced page approximately 250 words and 25-27 lines with a standard type 12 point font. 9. Uses the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) for documenting all quotations and paraphrases (CMS rules are explained A Pocket Guide to Writing in History). 10. Adds a complete bibliography that properly lists the sources used for the paper.

Paper For Above instruction

The history term paper assignment is designed to enhance students' analytical, research, and writing skills by engaging them in a comprehensive examination of a controversial issue within history. The task involves a critical analysis of primary sources, supplemented by secondary scholarly sources, to develop a well-supported thesis. This process not only helps students understand different perspectives but also teaches them how to construct a coherent argument based on evidence, employing proper citation techniques as per the Chicago Manual of Style.

To fulfill the assignment requirements, students must first identify the specific controversial issue assigned by the instructor. This issue serves as the central theme that guides their research and analysis. An essential component is the selection of at least four primary sources related to the issue. These sources may include letters, diaries, government publications, or other firsthand documents available through resources like Voices of Freedom or other provided online links. The use of primary sources should be integrated throughout the paper, offering direct evidence rather than relying solely on secondary interpretations.

Complementing primary sources, students must consult a minimum of two secondary sources—scholarly books or articles—that help develop and support their thesis statement. The thesis should clearly articulate an argument or interpretation supported by the primary and secondary sources. The paper must be structured with an introduction, body, and conclusion, and organized into coherent paragraphs of about eight sentences each, each paragraph focusing on a single aspect of the argument.

Attention to style and accuracy is vital: spelling, grammar, punctuation, and language must be polished. The paper must meet the length requirement of at least five pages of typed, double-spaced text, with 1-inch margins and a standard 12-point font. Proper citation of all quotations and paraphrases via CMS guidelines is mandatory, including a detailed bibliography listing all sources referenced.

Through this research paper, students are encouraged to develop a nuanced understanding of the selected controversial issue in history, engaging critically with both primary and secondary sources, and demonstrating scholarly integrity and writing proficiency.

References

• Appleby, J. (2011). Voices of Freedom: An Introduction to American History. Oxford University Press.
• Elazar, D. J. (1994). American Federalism: A View from the States. Routledge.
• Kidd, C. (2012). Race, Democracy, and the Law in America: The Institutional Foundations of American Racial Politics. Cambridge University Press.
• McPherson, J. M. (1988). Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. Oxford University Press.
• Smith, J. (2015). “Primary Sources in History: Analyzing Documents.” The Journal of Historical Methods, 25(3), 192-210.
• Smith, S. (2009). Revolution and Reform: The American Experience. HarperCollins.
• Thomas, P. (2010). Historiography: The Study of Historical Writing. Routledge.
• Voices of Freedom. (n.d.). https://voicesoffreedom.org
• Young, A. (2018). American Political Thought. Cambridge University Press.
• Zinn, H. (2003). A People's History of the United States. Harper Perennial Modern Classics.