The Object of the Final Paper is to provide the history of the subject chosen by the student as well as to analyze the veracity/ reliability of the sources used to provide that history. The subject must be a Western subject before 1600 C.E.

Once the student has chosen the topic of the final paper, the student should select at least one primary source, two scholarly secondary sources (like the Oxford Classical Dictionary on reserve in the CCBC Library) and two scholarly journal articles from the CCBC library research database (like JSTOR or ProQuest History Research.) More sources are acceptable and encouraged. As a reminder* Wikipedia is NOT a scholarly cite and you will lose points if you use it. Use only scholarly works/ websites. See me if you have questions, or are unsure of a source. Additionally, you may use your CCBC ID card to check out books form the UMBC library. This should provide you with plenty of primary and secondary sources for your chosen topic. Formulate your annotated bibliography as you are reading and reviewing your sources. Instructions follow below. Once the student has familiarized themselves with the topic, and has a full grasp of the subject matter, the student should then begin to question the sources used. Ask the following questions of the sources:

. 1) What is political, social, religious affiliation of the source?

. 2) How does this mesh with the subject itself?

. 3) What did the source have to gain by presenting the subject matter in the particular tenor chosen?

. 4) Can you detect bias in the source?

. 5) Can you independently verify the information presented by the source?

. 6) Does the source independently verify the information presented?

. 7) When did the source write record the information in relation to the event (subject matter)?

. 8) Is there counter-evidence? Present the counter-evidence.

Create an outline for your paper. Be certain to provide a concise history of the subject chosen as well as delving into the reliability of the sources by answering the questions above. All relevant points should be noted in the outline so they are not missed in the final written version. Include both an opening thesis statement and a closing summation argument.

Once you have a thorough outline you are comfortable with, begin writing your paper. The paper should be 1600- 2200 words in length. Follow the guideline set forth in the "Skills Reference Sheet" you were given at the beginning of the semester. You should make an appointment (soon) at the Writing Center if you have concerns about language usage, grammar, etc.

You must cite in foot or endnotes any sources used that are not your own original idea. Kate Turabian's "Manual for Writers" is in the library and on Blackboard for your use. In-text citations are unacceptable for historical papers.

Directions for your Annotated Bibliography:?Each source must be in correct Turabian format and annotated with a paragraph which:

1. Explains how you found the source.

2. How the site/article is appropriate in scope and level of information.

3. What makes the site/article academically reliable?

4. Sums up its content and explains how it will help you defend your thesis.

Read your paper aloud before turning it in to catch mistakes and content errors. Does your paper follow the outline you created? Does your argument/ presentation of information make sense? Have you answered the questions above satisfactorily? Did you present counter-evidence?