As of April 2004, “the History Department guidelines for undergraduate research seminars suggest that all 480 students write a research paper that:

1. Begins with an effective introduction that states a clear thesis.

2. Uses proper historical citations (Turabian or Chicago style rather than MLA).

3. Builds and defends an argument (rather than simply narrating a story).

4. Supports the argument with primary sources (rather than simply using primary sources as illustrative material).

5. Contextualizes the research with relevant secondary sources.

6. Discusses the interpretations found in secondary sources.

7. Reaches thoughtful conclusions that explain the historical significance and contemporary relevance of the research.

8. Provides an annotated bibliography.

9. Has been revised at least once (but preferably several times) in consultation with the instructor and peer evaluators.

10. Uses library research (rather than just assigned course materials or web sources).

11. Includes an oral presentation(s) before the class and instructor. This [must] be accompanied by an abstract of the paper distributed to class members.”

 

Additional criteria include:

12. Your paper must utilize a minimum of 10 secondary sources and 10 primary sources.  Additional sources may be included in your bibliography.

13. Your paper should be between 4,000 and 5,000 words in length, not including references (that will make it between 15 and 20 pages).

14. Your paper must be typed, double spaced, and in 12 pt. font.

15. You must not use contractions in writing your paper.

16. You should take the suggestions of your peer reviewer and Dr. Myers into consideration when revising your paper.  Improvement will be one of the grading criteria for the second and final drafts of your term paper.

17. You must follow guidelines on properly citing your sources.

18. You must take your paper to the Writing Center at least once during the semester to pass this course.