Requirements for Research Paper (rev. 8/2009)

You are to choose a research topic that is relevant to the topics in your text.  I have provided a list for you, but the index of your text is also a good place to start.  Familiarize yourself with the topic early in the semester.  Chances are, you may wish to choose a topic not on the list or in your text, but is somehow connected to the time period covered.  Let me know what interests you.  Together, we will decide if you can pursue that.  For all topics, you must notify me for approval.  I encourage you to explore a topic which is unfamiliar to you.  Get out of your backyard.  Hey, that’s what you’re here for, right?
	
1.	Locate a book, which further acquaints you with your topic.  I want to know what that is, also.  Some of you will choose rather broad topics that cannot be adequately treated in the confines of a research paper.  This is the time to begin the narrowing process by choosing an angle or a particular facet relative to your topic.  Ask me for guidance if you have difficulty in that area.
2.	Familiarize yourself with the topic.  Recognize that you are in the position to become an authority on your topic, and proceed with your research, keeping that empowering task in mind.  
3.	These are questions you will want to ask as you engage in exploration of your topic.  What were the objectives of this event or person?  What is the background?  You cannot understand your topic unless you know the atmosphere from which it arose.  Who was instrumental in the development and initiation of the idea/philosophies behind this event?  What did they hope to accomplish?  Did pre-existing circumstances exist in the lives of these individuals that fomented the development of this topic?  What were those circumstances?  Into what environment or mood was this topic introduced?   What were the ramifications?  Has it stood the test of time?  In other words, is it still a relevant event?  What were, if any, its lasting effects?  Was the topic made irrelevant with the introduction of a more current or progressive event or person?   Present your argument using valid data.  You are not allowed to use Wikipedia or any "Wiki" source. 
4.	A note about the location of sources:  Please, begin your research by obtaining scholarly knowledge of the topic as mentioned above – a print source, i.e., a book, journal article, newspaper article, something that offers a balanced and informative narrative of the topic, written by a reputable author.  For the time-being, stay with mainstream sources acquired through the library print offerings or the library databases.  Once you have familiarized yourself with the topic, then develop four other sources for use in your paper for a total of five sources.  Your sources may not all contain the same perspective.  Actually, your paper is enhanced if you do encounter differing perspectives.  After all, the goal is to take a critical and thought-provoking look at the topic.  The same goes for the individuals responsible for the origin of the event.  I am of the conviction that historical events are generally driven by personalities and actions of individuals who have exploited, for good or bad, certain opportunities.  Therefore, know those personages behind the topic.  As you can tell, your research paper will not be a recitation of data only.  I cannot emphasize enough the importance of approaching your topic with a critical eye.
5.	A warning about Internet sources:  Please, do not submit sources that have been randomly pulled off the Internet.  While the Internet can open up research possibilities, there are no filters to weed out inaccurate information.  Additionally, Internet research tends to offer information that is shallow, biased, improperly cited, if cited at all.  Internet research is not for the faint of heart nor the naïve.  You must know your source, and the Internet does not always provide that information.  The Internet abounds with crackpots who offer historical theories with little or no grounding in the facts, or if facts are there, they have been slanted.  Additionally, the Internet is a public forum in which anyone can present information for whatever cause they choose to espouse.  I do not forbid Internet research, but I do not accept papers with the majority or sole sources as being the Internet.  There is plenty of credible information out there without having to resort to the Internet.  I will remove points if you only superficially research your topic via the Internet.  Specific source requirements are discussed later in this document
6.  You are required to submit a completed draft and/or a draft in stages.  Your calendar will specify.  While the draft will not
    be graded, the grade on the final paper will reflect the effort of the draft.  Please, do not submit a draft on the assumption
    that I will correct for grammar and style, therebysaving you the effort.  The finished product will be graded for grammar,
    style, formulation of ideas, attention to detail, content, and, of course, research and writing efforts.
 7.  You are to cite according to MLA style. The school library should have a copy of that text, MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, by Joseph Gibaldi.  You may also access the MLA website.  You will not be able to properly complete this research paper without assistance from an MLA guide.  Avail yourself of the resources at the Academic Success Center, as well, if needed.
 8.  Another helpful website for citation mechanics is Son of Citation.  This website converts your information to proper
     MLA style.  It’s not foolproof, but is helpful.  You must edit your entries.
  9.  Final papers are due according to the date on your calendar.  NO LATE PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
10.   Paper mechanics:  One inch margins all around.  Double-spaced.  Use Times New Roman in size 12, no more, no less.
      A title page and a “Works Cited” page are required.  Seven pages minimum for the body, plus the works cited page(s).
      The title page does not count as a page.
11.   Get in touch with me if you have questions at any point along the way.