Assignment
Topic: Cyrus the Great
In one paragraph, describe your proposed subject for your research project. Also identify one (1) scholarly research resource appropriate to the subject such as a book or a scholarly article. Defined subjects are better: "Religion and Memphis in the Middle and New Kingdom" is a better subject than "Memphis: City for all Time."
Requests to pursue your project in an alternative format-for example, as a video, 3-D modelling, or artistic representation-must be made at the same time. You should briefly explain how this alternative media choice is appropriate to your topic.
Your project should draw upon three or more scholarly sources, at least one of which should be a primary source such as those assigned in the course or other ancient creations. Ancient Near Eastern history is written by researchers in many different disciplines including Fine Arts, Ancient Studies, Religious Studies, Archaeology, Women's Studies, and, of course, History. To find sources, you need to go beyond your favourite internet search engine; you need to research through an academic library. These tools are free for Laurentian students.
Here is a useful research checklist to consult as you wrap up your project.
1) Did you consult a Chicago Manual of Style formatting guide?
2) Did you provide references for direct quotations and significant references?
3) Did you support your analysis by using academic journals, chapters in academic books, or other scholarly sources?
4) Did you include a complete bibliography?
5) Did you contact Writing Assistance at the Centre for Academic Excellence if you needed help with documenting your research?
Your project needs to make an argument for your interpretation of this aspect of ancient Near Eastern history. Your analysis must link the subject, a city, individual, event, or institution, to the culture in which it existed. Projects cannot simply describe the historical experience. Your project should make an argument about what this reveals of the historical practices, problems, or changes experienced in the ancient culture.
Your argument isn't just an opinion. It is an opinion justified with research references that illustrate your assessment with evidence. You need to support your opinion with references to your research which can be in the form of quotations or paraphrases both of which are always documented with notes. Remember that a successful project will take time to research and complete! The best thesis rarely emerges at the start of the project but becomes clear as you work your way through the research material to develop a thoughtful and articulate exploration of some aspect of the ancient Near East.