Unit 1: MODERN AMERICA EMERGES 1890 1920

Unit 1: MODERN AMERICA EMERGES 1890 1920

2014-15 Thesis Packet HUSI Arnold

Step A- Topic/ Outline Check with Research Question

  • We will begin looking at possible thesis topics (3).
  • Identify the key elements (names, dates, events, etc.) related to your potential topics by using text, encyclopedia, etc.
  • To determine the viability of your ideas seek out sources related to each of your potential topics.
  • Do not hesitate to ask the librarians for assistance.

You must begin immediately. If you have difficulty, speak to me and we will set up an appointment.

Step B- Note Check #1 with Working Outline

  • At this point you have compiled and summarized 5 sources related to your topic. It is important for you to realize that not all sources will be useful in your final work. Therefore it is important that you continue your research by gathering and annotating more sources.
  • It is also critical that you continue reading your sources. Start to get a feel for your topic. You will need to have a clear and complete understanding of your topic and sources related to it.
  • Read all your sources thoroughly and begin thinking about an overall theme for your topic. This will eventually become your thesis statement.
  • You must now take a stand on your topic based on the information you have gathered.
  • Your thesis statement will lead and push your paper.
  • The purpose of your work is to prove the thesis statement by using all the sources you have accumulated
  • At least 25 complete note cards.
  • As you are reading your source begin using the note card function in NoodleTools.

Do not hesitate to ask the librarians for assistance

OUTLINE  FORMAT AS BELOW:

  1. Introduction
  2. First heading to your paper

A. Sub heading one

B. Sub heading two

  1. Second heading

A. Sub one

  1. Detail 1

a. Sub Detail 1

b. Sub Detail 2

  1. Detail 2

B. Sub two

  1. ETC… (…)
  2. ETC… (…)
  3. ETC… (…)

Step C- Note Check #2 with Formal Outline

Create a thesis statement.

  • You have AT LEAST 7 sources related to your topic and have read them thoroughly.
  • You must now take a stand on your topic based on the information you have gathered.
  • Your thesis statement will lead and push your paper.
  • The purpose of your work is to prove the thesis statement by using all the sources you have accumulated

A thesis statement is: a single sentence that formulates both your topic and your point of view based on the information you have gathered.

If you need help writing your thesis statement you may want to use the link below:

How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is Not Assigned

http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/thesis_statement.shtml

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE ABOVE COMPLETED ON THE DAY IT IS DUE. YOU HAVE NOT COMPLETED THIS STEP AND CANNOT MOVE ON TO THE NEXT STEP.

OUTLINE WITH PAGE ESTIMATES FORMAT AS BELOW:

  1. Introduction
  2. First heading to your paper (Number of pages this heading will cover)

A. Sub heading one

B. Sub heading two

  1. Second heading (Number of pages this heading will cover)

C. Sub one

  1. Detail 1

a. Sub Detail 1

b. Sub Detail 2

  1. Detail 2

D. Sub two

  1. etc… (…)

Step D- Rough DraftDue Date: 1/9/15

ROUGH DRAFT:

Please keep the following in mind while you are writing:

  1. This is a formal paper you do not include personal references. Your opinions and beliefs are expressed through the sources you choose to use. Never “I believe… I think… etc.”
  2. EVERY SOURCE USED IN THE PAPER MUST BE DOCUMENTED. Keep track of your source work you utilize by putting the authors name or a designated number in the rough draft that will make it easier to include the full bibliographic reference later on.
  3. Include a works cited page at the end which includes all sources used in this portion of your paper.

Points of Emphasis:

  • NONE of the paper is your original research. You have simply gathered the work of others and unified it to suit your thesis statement.
  • Because you have borrowed so much from others you must by law give them proper credit within the body of your paper. This is DOCUMENTATION. (As a general rule of thumb – ANY information that is not “common knowledge” and is included in your paper MUST BE CITED!)
  • Follow the guidelines for MLA parenthetical citation in your work including the rough draft.
  • You should have many citations. Most likely at least one in each paragraph.
  • I will be checking for technical problems in your paper: margins, citations, etc. A classmate will read and provide feedback on your writing through peer-editing.

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE ABOVE COMPLETED IN CLASS ON THE DAY IT IS DUE. YOU HAVE NOT COMPLETED THIS STEP AND CANNOT MOVE ON TO THE NEXT STEP.

Step E – Final Draft

Thesis Paper Final Checklist

  1. 5-7 pages in length
  2. At least five (5) different sources used in the paper
  3. All corrections made from previous drafts
  4. Margins: 1”
  5. Times New Roman Font 12 pt. (this is an example)
  6. Proper citations for the work of others
  7. Title page
  8. Outline (does not need note cards)
  9. Works Cited Page
  10. Parental Draft with signed and completed
  11. An electronic copy has been sent.

Step F – Parental Notification and Thesis Paper CritiqueCopy Due with Final Draft

Dear Parent,

As you know your child has been working on a thesis driven paper. This paper will comprise of a major portion of the grade for the second semester. They have researched a topic, created a thesis statement, and completed a final draft of the paper.

In order to finalize the process, I am asking parents to take the objective role of critiquing their child’s paper. This will provide another set of objective “eyes” to review the finished work. There is no need for you to be an expert in the material. The task is simply to determine if the paper proves the thesis statement in a clear and logical fashion. Below you will find a checklist to guide your critique, and space to provide feedback on the paper. We appreciate the time you take to actively participate in the educational process.

Your child has spent approximately 12 weeks on this paper and represents a significant amount of work and effort. I applaud this effort and cannot wait to see the finished product.

Y / N / 1) / The paper reads well from beginning to end.
Y / N / 2) / The introduction is brief and leads logically into the body.
Y / N / 3) / The body of the paper works to prove the thesis by providing clear and well selected information.
Y / N / 4) / Ideas within the paper flow logically from point to point.
Y / N / 5) / The writer has not included personal opinion that is not substantiated, nor written in the first person.
Y / N / 6) / The writer has convincingly proven their thesis.
Y / N / 7) / The writer has used a multitude of sources and does not rely on any one particular source.
Y / N / 8) / The conclusion sums up the proof offered in the body.
What did you like about the paper?
What could make this paper better?

Note: Thesis papers are not accepted late under any circumstances. Students should make sure their computers and printers are functioning normally. Those who do not turn in their final work on time risk receiving a zero for the project. Students who fail to turn in an acceptable project by the end of the year must repeat the course.

FINAL DUE DATE: January 23, 2015.

Parent’s SignatureDate

HUSI

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