Research/Position
Paper
This
paper should represent a position that you are taking on a controversial
historical topic in western civilization until the 1300’s. Your grade will depend on how well you make
your argument with the evidence that you site. Use the Perspectives text for some good
primary sources. While your personal
knowledge may be extensive you must support any statement of fact with a source
and an appropriate citation. I do not
want a comprehensive narrative of a historical time period, person, or
event. Start with a question that has
both a “Yes” or “No” and answer and then choose one side to defend with your
arguments.
Requirements
- The paper must be between
six to seven pages in length (not counting the title page, the abstract,
and the bibliography), double-spaced, margins no more than one inch, and
using Times New Roman 12 point font.
- The title page needs to
have the following information:
Your Name, Class Name, Date, and Title of the Paper
- Abstract – This is
brief outline, no more than two paragraphs, of your position and
conclusion. Place this on a page of
its own between the Title page and the body.
- Position – Clearly
state your position on the topic you have chosen. This does not have to be a long
statement. Make it stand out. If I
cannot find your position on the topic, all of the rest of the paper will
fail.
- Explanation – Minimally
answer the following questions:
A. When and where did this
occur?
B. Why is this important to
western civilization today?
C. Why is this important to
you?
D. Who were the major players?
- Defense – Using source
materials defend your position.
This is the bulk of the assignment.
All of your statements need to support your position.
- Conclusion – This is a
summary of your position and why you are right. This is the most important part of the
paper.
- Bibliography – Use at
least three sources. Two must be
books, not the class
texts. Use journal articles, books,
and any primary sources first. Books
that have been published and available on-line are acceptable. Wikipedia and Blogs are NOT good sources for this
assignment.
- Scoring will be as
follows:
Sections
1 and 2 10
points each (total of 20 points)
Sections
3, 4, and 8 25 points each
(total of 75 points)
Sections
5, 6, and 7 35 points each
(total of 105 points)
