Each student is required to compose an original, thesis-based essay dealing with a person, place, thing, or event that played a role in the history of the United States prior to 1877.

The subject of your research paper does not have to be well-known, famous, or significant. In fact, originality and imagination in finding your subject are always appreciated. Just be sure that if you choose an obscure subject that there is enough information to write the required length paper.

On the other hand, if you choose to write about someone or something that is well-known or famous, please make a concerted effort to look for interesting or intriguing aspects of your subject to minimize the boredom factor (mine).

Since your paper will be submitted through SafeAssign, which is an anti-plagiarism tool, strive to use your own words as much as possible.

The essay must be typed, 12-point font, double-spaced, with reasonable margins, a minimum of 7 full pages to a maximum of 10 pages in length Let me know if you must write over 10 pages.

Utilizing a minimum of five sources (no wikipedia!), at least two of which are primary sources, the work must offer content and interpretation, documented with a bibliography and works cited page (when applicable); either Chicago or MLA format is acceptable.

The bibliography must clearly indicate which are primary sources and which are secondary sources. Guidelines for MLA and Chicago formats can be found in the "Document Format Guidelines" content area, as well as definitions of primary and secondary sources.

If you are having difficulty thinking of an appropriate subject for your paper, send me an email and I'll try to help you find something or someone interesting to write about.