Major Causes of World War II
Paper details:
The core assignment of this course is a documented research paper (1500-2000 words in length, approx. 6-8 pages double-spaced, 12-point font). MUST USE A MINIMUM OF 4 SOURCES AND ONE MUST BE A PRIMARY SOURCE. The paper should support a thesis statement with information gained from research or investigation. Choose a topic related to chapters covered in The American Yawp, (Chapters 16-30) that you would truly like to explore and that you are willing to spend some time on. Your chosen topic should be focused. Pose a question that you really want to answer. You may want to begin with more than one topic in mind. Do some preliminary reading on the topic(s). You may begin with the textbook, then further explore the information available. Refine your topic. Summarize your topic, your interest in the topic, the questions you want to answer, and a hypothesis you want to test. Gather information from a variety of sources. Use a minimum of four sources for your paper, and at least one must be a primary source. o Primary sources are contemporary to the times under investigation. o An example of a secondary source is our textbook, though the textbook also contains excerpts of primary sources, which you may use as a source in your paper. Write the final draft and be sure to include a Works Cited List, and use the correct MLA documentation style. Grade Rubric INTRODUCTION & THESIS: Includes a clear thesis statement, an assertion or position. The topic is original and manageable in a short research paper. /15 FOCUS AND DEVELOPMENT: Body of the essay focuses on this thesis and develops it fully, recognizing the complexity of issues and refuting arguments in opposition to the thesis. /20 SUPPORT AND SYNTHESIS: Uses sufficient and relevant evidence to support the thesis (and primary points), including facts, inferences, and judgments. Quotes, summarizes, and paraphrases accurately and effectively–appropriately introducing and explaining each quote. /25 RESOURCES: Shows a clear understanding of the sources; has evaluated each source and used it appropriately. Uses a wide variety of sources reflecting significant research. /10 CONVENTIONS: Uses MLA format correctly; includes internal citations and a Works Cited list; is free of errors. /15 CORRECTNESS AND STYLE: Introduces the topic in an interesting way; shows critical thinking and depth of understanding; uses appropriate tone; shows sophistication in language usage and sentence structure. /15