Marking Period 4 Ancient and Modern World Research Paper Directions
Mr. Layne
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/enable you to further develop your abilities to do 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:
- Wednesday, April 9: topic due
- Wednesday, April 23: thesis, outline and bibliography due (will count as a separate quiz grade)
- Wednesday, April 30: optional draft due (it need not be complete)
- Friday, May 9: final paper due
What Topics can I choose?
That depends on what class you are in:
- Ancient World: Any topic from 500 C.E-1500 C.E. relating to World History
- Modern World: Any topic between 1850-Present 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 or endnotes and a works cited page using the “Chicago Style” format. Don’t worry if you have forgotten how to do this—I’ll review 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 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. (my preferred font is Times New Roman).
- To allow you the opportunity for greater communication, you will prepare a 5-7 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 may prepare a power point 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.
What if I have more questions?
Ask me—at the beginning or end of class, in the halls, via email, whatever—just ask.
Also, be sure to review the rubrics below (I will use these exact rubrics to evaluate your paper):
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:
_____________
