U.S. History Research Paper Overview

Spring 2016

You will spend the next two months learning the process of how to complete an historical research paper. Your final paper will be a 4-7 pages, based on research, and make a solid argument backed by evidence. While the prospect of writing an entire research paper might be overwhelming at first, we will break down the process to make it more manageable. You will be expected to turn in different parts of the project according to the calendar below. We may need to make adjustments to this schedule, so be sure to check my website regularly for updates.

Steps to Writing a Great Research Paper

Step / Task / Due Date
1 / Explore your interests. It is crucial to find a topic that interests you. / 2/12
2 / Finalize your topic & create a driving research question. / 2/29
3 / Locate sources and create an AnnotatedBibliography with at least 4relevant sources / 3/4
4 / Notes Check-in #1. Conduct research and take notes. Must have thorough notes from at least one source (see handout for possible note-taking formats) / 3/7
5 / Notes Check-in #2. Conduct more research and create more notes. Must have thorough notes from at least 2more sources—bring all notes to class. / TBA
6 / Analyze at least 2 primary sources (for Appendix). Share draft with peer editing group. / 3/11
7 / Organize your notes and write anoutline and thesis statement. Review outline with Ms. Garrett and peer editing group. / 3/18
8 / Revise outline as necessary and write rough draft. Peer editing in class. / 3/30
9 / Reviserough draft and bibliography before final paper is due. / 4/4
10 / Research paper due! (Include cover page, final paper + citations, appendix with at least primary source images/documents + captions, annotated bibliography, outline,) / 4/8

FORMAT

  • 4-7 page essay: typed, double spaced, 12 point Times font, 1 inch margins
  • Appendix with at least 3 images/documents + captions that relate to your topic
  • Annotated Bibliography: at least 7 relevant sources (only 1 source can be an encyclopedia/Wikipedia); must include primary and secondary sources; annotations for each source can be short 1-3 sentence summary of how this source was helpful in your research.
  • Source citations: You may use MLA format or you can use the Chicago Style format of citation consistent with historical research(see the links on my website for more information)
  • In addition to your final paper, you must also turn in your outline with your final copy. When you turn in your paper, please save ALL materials that relate to your research in your binder (notes, etc.). Save all of your work in Google Drive, on a flash drive, or in your binder. Do NOT throw anything away.

If there is a concern about the deadline, please see me BEFORE something is due!