Research Paper- Third Quarter

Research Paper Project

The research paper is the major assignment for history class during third quarter. The important part of the assignment is in the intent: research and writing. Students will need to conduct research to complete the assignment and organize the information into a final paper.

During third quarter, students will continue the study of the history of the United States. For the research paper, students will choose one historically significant person and discuss the impact he or she had on the United States. Students will examine influences in their chosen subject’s life, the accomplishments the person made that makes him or her a notable historical subject, and the positive and negative reviews of the subject from noted historians. It is critical that students lay out an argument about their subject and direct their research towards supporting that argument. The research paper must be more than a simple biography of the subject.

The paper is constructed through five “mini-papers.” Each of the five mini-papers addresses one part of the overall final paper. While each topic is unique, you must work within the general framework of the mini-paper as it suits your topic. At the conclusion of the five mini-papers, you then combine the parts to make the final paper.

The mini-paper topics:
Paper 1 – identify your subject and your argument. Provide a clear well expressed thesis statement and introductory material. Due February 9/10, 300 – 500 words. Attach a general outline of the paper as it is currently planned (not included in word limit).
Paper 2 -- what were the influences on the individual’s life that helped to shape the person and his/her historical stature? consider context of the age, events of the time, role models etc. Due February 16/17, 400 – 600 words.
Paper 3 – what were the significant historical accomplishments of the subject’s life? How do these accomplishments serve to support your argument? Due March 2/3, 700 – 900 words. Attach a revised outline of the paper as you now see it.
Paper 4 -- how has this person been viewed by historians? Include criticisms that are both positive and negative. Seek support for your argument here. Due March 10/11, 700 – 900 words.
Paper 5 -¬¬- conclusion. Summarize the researched material to provide a clear and cogent response to your argument. Restate and support your thesis. Due March 16/17, 300 – 500 words.

ELL differentiation:
The mini-paper topics:
Paper 1 – identify your subject and your argument. Provide a clear well expressed thesis statement and introductory material. Due February 9/10, 150-250 words.
Paper 2 – Outline of paper with Mrs. Koga’s signature. Due February 16/17
Paper 3 – what were the influences on the individual’s life that helped to shape the person and his/her historical stature? consider context of the age, events of the time, role models etc. Due March 2/3, 250-400 words.
Paper 4-- what were the significant historical accomplishments of the subject’s life? How do these accomplishments serve to support your argument? Due March 10/11, 250-500 words.
Paper 5 -¬¬- conclusion. Summarize the researched material to provide a clear and cogent response to your argument. Restate and support your thesis. Due March 16/17, 150-300 words.


The final paper:
You task for the final paper is to take these 2400 – 3400 words and organize them into a final paper of approximately 3000 words focused on an argument related to your historical subject. Because you will have more material than you need, you will be in the enviable position of trimming the paper to make it focused and well developed. It is due on April 7.

ELL differentiation:
The final paper:
You task for the final paper is to take these 800 – 1500 words and organize them into a final paper of approximately 1100-1300 words focused on an argument related to your historical subject. Because some of you will have more material than you need, you will be in the enviable position of trimming the paper to make it focused and well developed. It is due on April 7. It must be signed at the top next to your name by Mrs. Koga.


Research paper considerations
All papers are due at the beginning of class of the date they are due. All late papers will be subject to the penalties established in the late policy outlined on the history web site. Collecting papers will be the first activity of the day when papers are due. If a student is absent the day a short paper is due, the work is due the next class day the student attends so long as it is an excused absence. If a student comes to school late and after history class, the paper is due that day.
Papers cannot be emailed nor turned in on flash/thumb drives.
Plagiarism is a serious academic problem with serious consequences. Any sign of plagiarism on a short paper will result in a failure for the paper with a grade of 0. Any sign of plagiarism on the final paper will result in failure for the final paper with a grade of 0. In addition, any indication of plagiarism on short papers will require that all subsequent short paper be neatly handwritten. The final paper must be printed.
All papers must have a both a bibliography and works cited page to be complete. Students must demonstrate use of internet and non-internet sources. You should show use of current periodicals. In addition, all internet sources must be valid and credible scholarly sources.
All papers should be free from mechanical errors. All papers must be printed (unless a previous plagiarism issue was present), double-spaced, 12 point, standard font, standard margins, stapled in the upper left corner. A word count must be at the end of each paper.
MLA style must be used in each paper for the works cited page, a complete and running bibliography and for in text, parenthetical citations. A works cited page is a list of the works that you cite in that particular paper. The bibliography is a complete list of all sources you have used.

Grades
Each mini-paper is worth 20 points for a total of 100 points for all five mini papers. Paper five is an all or nothing grade. The final paper is worth 80 points. Papers are scored on ideas, organization, research and convention aspects. Please see the rubrics for grading.
There will be a MLA quiz on February 12/13 worth 10 points.
The final paper is due April 7 at 1230 pm for all students regardless of class period; students who turn the final paper in early, by 4 pm on April 2, will receive 5 bonus points.
The research paper assignment is evaluated from both a product and process standpoint. The research and writing will be largely conducted outside of class; however, some time will be set aside to work on research and writing in class. A daily grade worth 5 points will be given for students on those days for process: students should be prepared with materials to work, and should use the time available constructively. I will be passing between the computer lab and the classroom making observations. My snapshots of the students’ effectiveness at the task are final and not subject to discussion. Additionally, no paper will be accepted after 1230 pm on April 7 without exception. If you are ill or absent on that day, arrange for a classmate to have your printed paper to turn in. It is not acceptable to miss history or any other class on April 7 simply to finish up the paper. PLAN AHEAD to be certain your work is backed up and you have ample time to print your papers.