Freedom in America Paper Assignment
Step 1:
Pick a topic. What topic are you most interested in pertaining to this course? What is a topic you would be interested in writing a paper on? Your topic should not be too broad. For example, the Harlem Renaissance, is too broad. Focusing on a specific cause of the downfall of Reconstruction is a possible topic.
Step 2:
Research the internet and the library for primary sources, or first hand accounts of documents that relate to your topic. Analyze at least ?at least ONE ? primary source for your paper, you may use more than 1, but you must use at least 1.
Step 3:
Analyze.? When analyzing your document, thoroughly scrutinize the document, what it says, and the argument. Look through "?Guidelines for Analyzing a Primary Source?" (below) to help you come up with a complete analysis of your primary source(s).
Step 4:
Choose at least 4 books and/or articles? from the library or online journals from the library's online databases. For journal articles, go to UD's Library database section. For the databases section, articles on U.S. History can be found through Jstor and Project Muse.
*Do not use any encyclopedia sources or the class readings as a ?secondary ?source. If you use a website, it must be approved by the Instructor. You may use them as a reference, but these do not count towards your secondary sources.
Step 5:
Make sure you have a ?thesis statement?. This is the most important sentence in your paper. The thesis should be located in the first paragraph of your paper. The statement should be concise? and not too broad. A thesis is the argument or point of view for your paper. It is something that you and someone else can ?debate?. Your thesis statement should start out by stating something such as "This paper argues that..." The thesis statement is the statement that guides you throughout the paper. All of your main ideas should connect to your thesis statement.
Step 6:
Write your paper! Keep in mind the following:
1) Papers must be typewritten, double-spaced in 12 pt font, and 1-inch margins. Papers should be at least ?5 full pages plus a Works Cited page (6 total)? and include an introduction, body, and conclusion.
2) You should have a well-articulated ?thesis?. Formulate a central theme that links the primary source document(s) together and connects them to the secondary sources--the books and/or articles you use..
3) Use the "Guidelines for Analyzing Primary Sources" below as a guide. You do not have to answer every question, but be sure to answer the who/what/where/when/why of the document. Describe the audience for this document. Then move on to your own analysis....
4) Analyze your documents. What do they tell you about the cultures that created these stories? How do they enhance our knowledge beyond the course readings and material? Can you discern any deeper meanings beyond what is just on the page? What were the motivations for creating this document? Again, use the "Guidelines..." in order to steer your analysis.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.