he paper is to be 3 to 5 pages in length, typed (or word-processed), with a 12-point font. A paper that is too short or too long will lose points. Standard conventions include double-spacing, and 1 margins for my comments. The most important criteria in this effort is correct grammar: spelling, punctuation and syntax errors; and incomplete sentences will quickly destroy an otherwise excellent paper. How you write is more important than what you write. The term paper is worth 100 points (20% of the final grade).
This is your opportunity to investigate an aspect of history, related to the focus of this course, of personal interest to you from one of the historic eras that we study. The subject you choose must be approved by the instructor. I expect each of you to do independent research to locate at least three (3) books or articles in a magazine, newspaper, etc which expand your understanding of the subject chosen. Chapters of your text book for this course or encyclopedia entries are not considered adequate to count for any of the three required sources for your research. Internet sources are allowed, but must be used with discretion to assure the competence of the author and authenticity of the information being provided. Articles may address people, events, cultural phenomena, etc.
For those who are inexperienced in writing term papers, you may submit a full draft to me for review at least 2 weeks prior to the final deadline for the papers. I will make corrections and suggestions for improving the paper and return it to you for resubmittal with no grade penalty. This is particularly recommended to those who have difficulty with the English language or basic writing skills. Any paper that is turned in after the final submittal deadline will automatically receive at least a one letter grade reduction. Failure to turn in a term paper will result in an F for the class.
My grading criteria for this paper are:
A Appealing to read, neat and creative; clear voice. Original ideas are presented forcefully, sequentially and reflect vivid and concrete details. Sources are cited in an academic style. Paragraphs are unified and coherent; transitions are progressive. No more than 5 spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors.
B Appealing to read, neat in appearance. Main idea is presented with pertinent details. Sources are cited in a consistent (non-academic) style. Paragraphs are unified and coherent; transitions help the reader follow ideas. No more than 10 spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors.
C Paper is readable. Main idea is presented sequentially, with details. Paragraphs are, for the most part, coherent; transitions are present. Sources are cited and named. No more than 15 spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors.
D Paper is sloppy. No bibliography or footnotes. Main idea is vague, sequence is confused, detail is insufficient. Paragraphs and transitions are unclear. No more than 20 spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors.
F Paper is sloppy. No bibliography or footnotes. Ideas cannot be identified, paragraphs are unclear and/or lacking transitions. Consistent lack of basic sentence structure; more than 20 spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors.
Bibliography: a bibliography, sometimes called Works Cited, is required to be submitted with your paper to show the sources used in its preparation. A minimum of 3 sources is required. A recommended format will be provided by the instructor. Your bibliography will be evaluated to determine:
1) Was the proper format used? (Note: the total number of pages, or paragraphs for an internet source, in each source should be noted)
2) Were appropriate sources used (Wikepedia is NOT appropriate)?
3) Was each source labeled as either a primary or secondary sources? (A primary source is one that was written by someone who was actually involved in the events covered.)
You also must give a brief critique (sometimes called an annotated bibliography) for at least one source discussing:
Authenticity of the author (an expert in the field; other things he/she has written; how deeply he/she was really involved in the events),
Any bias demonstrated by the author,
Any conflicting facts you found compared to other sources,
Scope of the source (covered the entire life of the subject; covered all of world history; covered just the battle for which he was most well known or the entire war and other major players on both sides)
Style of writing used (easy to read, lack of detail, ample use of footnotes).
The bibliography will account for 20 out of the 100 points for the term paper.
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