History 208 

Dr. Meghan Winchell

mwinchel@nebrwesleyan.edu

Old Main 312

465-2437

library.nebrwesleyan.edu

HIST 208

Winchell

Research Paper Guidelines

Instructions:  This research paper must be approximately 12 pages in length, typed and double-spaced.  The paper is the product of your own original research. It must contain a thesis statement in the introduction, several well-developed main points in the body of the paper, a conclusion, and substantial historical context throughout. This paper must make a strong original argument based upon extensive primary and secondary research.  The bulk of your evidence (approximately 6-8 sources) should be primary material and the remainder should be secondary sources such as historical monographs (4-6). Secondary sources should be those written by scholars within the past 10-15 years. Refer to the online LibGuide for this course for more research information. All of the following assignments must be typed. You must turn in all graded components of this project with each part of the assignment in order to receive a final grade. 

Topic and Preliminary Bibliography (due September 10):  This part of the assignment requires you to discuss your topic in one or two paragraphs and include a preliminary bibliography with full citations.  I encourage you to talk with me as you select your topic and hone your bibliography.  Choose a topic that deals in some way with United States history between 1920-1945. Make sure your topic is broad enough to have adequate source material and narrow enough to produce a concise argument. For example, in itself the Red Scare is too broad as a topic, but it is a good starting point. Consider the Red Scare’s effects on the American labor movement, or the Socialist Party. Then, ask a more specific question. How did the Red Scare influence the lifespan of the Industrial Workers of the World? 

Thesis and Detailed Outlines with Arguments (due October 1).  Begin this assignment with your thesis statement. This outline will act as a blueprint for the first draft of the paper. Rather than a traditional outline that simply includes one word categories, this outline must reveal the topic sentence for every paragraph in the paper.  Follow each paragraph with the precise evidence that you will use to prove the paragraph’s main point. End each paragraph with your analytical or “so what” sentence. Making this outline as detailed as possible will help you when it comes time to write the first draft of the paper.  You must turn in an updated bibliography with this assignment.

First Draft (due October 29).  This should be a complete draft of your paper, along with the bibliography. Remember to include page numbers in the bottom right hand corner of the paper.

Final Draft (due December 1).  The final paper should be a polished and revised version of your first draft. It must include an updated bibliography and a title page. The title page should include your name, the title, date, and course number. Remember to turn in previous drafts with the final paper.

Citations and Plagiarism:  You must use footnotes to cite every direct quotation or paraphrased idea from the sources.  Failing to do this will result in a violation of Nebraska Wesleyan plagiarism policies. Plagiarism of any kind could result in a failure of the course.  Present footnotes in Turabian style.