History Of Europe to 1648

handout for short paper(2-3 pages)

Assignment: For this paper, you are required to find a primary source addressing a topic that is relevant to our class. You can choose either a primary source we have discussed or will discuss, or you can find an entirely new one. In your paper (2-3 pages in length), you should do two things. First, spend some time (about a page) describing the content of the document/source. What type of document is it? When was it written? By whom? What does it say? Then, for the second part, tell me what you learned from the primary source. For instance, you may consider the following questions to answer:

What did you learn?

Does your primary document conflict with or support anything we discussed in class or that you read in your textbook(s)? By the way, make sure you have a solid introduction and conclusion. You DO NOT need to make an argument for this paper, it is just a response piece.

If you need help finding a primary source, let me know. However, there are various websites from which you can obtain primary documents, for instance, by doing a google search or by looking at "Medieval Sourcebook" or "Ancient History Sourcebook." Again, you can also analyze a source assigned in our course, such as the "Twelve Tables" (Roman law) or the Burgundian code.

Guidelines for Writing a Good History Paper:

** Start with a strong introduction that states what you will discuss and more importantly, what you will argue (this is the thesis statement). Give your reader an idea of some of the conclusions you will make without delving in detail into too much detail.

** End with a strong conclusion that summarizes your argument and what you have proved. You may also suggest ideas for future research in the conclusion.

** Document your sources. Proper citation is crucial in order to avoid plagiarism. Use either footnotes, endnotes, or parantheticals within the body of the paper. Also, regardless of which citation sWle you use, always include a bibliography at the very end of the paper. Consult either the MLA Handbook or the Chicago Manual of Style for samples of how to cite different types of sources. Not all citation formats are the same! These reference books can be found at the library-ask a librarian for help.

** Take advantage of the Writing Center in Lamar Hall. The staff there reads first drafts and outlines. Your professor is also available to help you with any stage of the writing process.