Ancient and Modern World History Research Paper

Ancient and Modern World History

Mr. Layne

Project Directions, Marking Period 2

What is the project?

Your project for this marking period is to develop a research paper using conventions of the discipline of history about a topic related to your respective history class.

What is the purpose of this project?

To introduce you to historical research and writing:  choosing a topic, conducting research, developing a thesis, supporting your thesis with evidence, and presenting it in the form of a well written paper.

When is this project due?

You actually have several due dates:

• Monday, October 28:  topic due
• Monday, November 4::  thesis, outline and bibliography due (will count as a separate quiz grade)
• Friday, November 15:  optional draft due (it need not be complete)
• Friday, December 6: final paper due

What topics can I choose?

That depends on what class you are in:

• Ancient World:  Any topic up to 500 C.E. relating to World History
• Modern World:  Any topic between 1500-1850 relating to World History

How much of my grade is this project worth?

This project will be worth 35% of your marking period grade

How will this project be graded?

You will be graded on the following criteria:

• Meeting the due date
• Correct spelling, grammar, and formatting
• Use of primary and secondary sources; strength of overall evidence
• Strength of the thesis and overall substance of the paper
• Strength of conclusions

What do you mean by “conventions of the discipline of history?”

That means that I expect you to cite your sources using footnotes and a works cited page using the “Chicago Style” format.  Don’t worry if you have no idea what this means—I’ll be going over it with you in class well before the final paper is due.

How many sources do I need to use (College Prep)?

You must have minimum of 5 sources—2 of which must be primary.  You may not use Internet secondary sources (like Wikipedia).  You may not use your textbook as a source.  You may not use general encyclopedias (World Book, Britannica, etc.).  Primary sources found on the Internet from reputable sites are acceptable.

How long does this paper need to be (College Prep)?

It must be a minimum of 1,000-1,250 words (approximately 4-5 pages).  Any attempt to make your paper appear longer than it actually is (large font, weird spacing, etc.) will result in your grade being penalized.  The paper should be double-spaced, have standard margins and be typed in 12 point Times New Roman font.

What if I am taking this course for Honors Credit?

If you are taking this course for Honor’s Credit, then you need to meet a few additional requirements:

• To allow you to conduct both broader and more in-depth research, you must have a minimum of 7 sources—3 of which must be primary.  You may not use Internet secondary sources (like Wikipedia).  You may not use your textbook as a source.  You may not use general encyclopedias (World Book, Britannica, etc.).  Primary sources found on the Internet from reputable sites are acceptable.
• To allow you to write a paper of greater substance, the paper must be a minimum of 1,250-1,750 words (approximately 5-7 pages).  Any attempt to make your paper appear longer than it actually is (large font, weird spacing, etc.) will result in your grade being penalized.  The paper should have 1-inch margins all around and should have a font no larger than 12 pt. (use  Times New Roman).
• To allow you the opportunity for greater communication, you will prepare a 6-8 minute presentation on your topic, which you will present for the class.
• This presentation must include the following:
• The topic of your paper and your thesis
• A brief overview of your research methods and the sources you used—both primary and secondary
• A brief overview of the main points of your paper
• What your paper concludes
• Question/Answer period
• You should prepare a power point (or something similar) to accompany your presentation.  The power point must enhance the presentation and not serve to replace it.
• You may use notes for your presentation; you should not simply stand up and read your paper

College Prep and Honors Rubrics

Research Paper Grading Rubric--College Prep

Mr. Layne

Student Name:  ______________________________________

Formatting—20 pts.

• Spelling and grammar—10 pts.
• Spacing, formatting, and citations—10 pts.

_______pts

Overall Substance of the paper—80 points

o   Includes a clear and well-thought out thesis—15 pts.

o   Source requirements met—10 pts.

o   Thesis is supported by evidence/sources used in a balanced way—20 pts.

o   Ideas are presented in a logical and organized manner—15 pts.

o   Paper demonstrate original critical and historical thought—10 pts.

o   Overall quality of the paper—10 pts.

_______pts

Total Points/Final Grade:  _____________

Research Paper Grading Rubric--Honors

Mr. Layne

Student Name:  ______________________________________

Formatting—20 pts.

• Spelling and grammar—10 pts.
• Spacing, formatting, and citations—10 pts.

_______ pts.

Overall Substance of the paper—60 points

o   Includes a clear and well-thought out thesis—10 pts.

o   Source requirements met—10 pts.

o   Thesis is supported by evidence/sources used in a balanced way—20 pts.

o   Ideas are presented in a logical and organized manner—10 pts.

o   Paper demonstrate original critical and historical thought—10 pts.

_______ pts.

Paper Presentation—20 points: 

• Paper topic/thesis—2 pts.
• Brief overview of research methods and the sources—2 pts.
• Brief overview of paper’s main points—2pts.
• Paper’s conclusion—2pts.
• Question/answer period—2pts.
• Overall quality of the presentation—10 pts.

______ pts.

Total Points/Final Grade:  _____________

What if I have more questions?

Ask me—at the beginning or end of class, in the halls, via email, whatever—just ask.