The Term Paper requires you, first, to critically analyze primary sources and, second, to research related secondary sources before typing the paper. It provides you with the opportunity to develop research and writing skills as well as to synthesize knowledge about a controversial issue. In order to earn the maximum points, you must submit a paper that accomplishes the following:
1. Considers the controversial issue announced by the instructor (also note the discussion topic in the Discussions area).
2. Identifies at least four primary sources (i.e., letters, diaries, publications) from Voices of Freedom that relate to this issue. You may use others if needed but make an effort to use this source.
3. Consults two valid secondary sources that help to develop a thesis.
4. Constructs a thesis statement based upon the primary and secondary sources.
5. Incorporates an introduction, body, and conclusion.
6. Organizes paragraphs with approximately eight sentences developing a single topic.
7. Avoids spelling errors, awkward language, improper grammar, flawed punctuation, and other compositional mistakes.
8. Includes at least five pages of full typed text circumscribed by one inch margins, making each double spaced page approximately 250 words and 25-27 lines with a standard type 12 point font.
9.Uses the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) for documenting all quotations and paraphrases (CMS rules are explained A Pocket Guide to Writing in History).
10. Adds a complete bibliography that properly lists the sources used for the paper.