Dear Parent/Guardian:
During this next month of Modern World History, your student will focus almost exclusively on researching and writing a short thesis paper. This larger project includes not only the final typed paper, with footnotes and a bibliography, but also the seven stages leading up to it. Think of it as a research paper with training wheels. While it will be short at 4 to 6 pages, the same process can be used to write papers through high school, college, and graduate school.
No final papers will be accepted unless all seven stages of the research and writing process have been completed. The reasoning behind this history department policy is twofold: first, we are teaching the process of research and writing; and second, we wish to prevent students from simply downloading papers from the internet or using AI to write them. Your student’s Sophomore Research Paper is due on or before Monday, February 17th, whether he/she/they is in class or not. Please plan ahead. It is always ok to turn in papers early.
Steps and Due Dates
#1 Topic description paragraph: Choose a country that has three world problems or a world problem that is shown in three countries. Five sentences minimum. This will be shared with me on Google Classroom, as well as all other steps.
Period 1, 5 & 6 - Tuesday, January 6th (First Block)
Period 3 - Wednesday, January 7th (First Block)
#2 Preliminary Annotated Bibliography: 5 appropriate sources, listed in proper bibliographic format, and annotated (Chicago Citation Style).
Period 1, 5 & 6 - Due Tuesday, January 13th (First Block)
Period 3 - Due Wednesday January 14th (First Block)
#3 Preliminary Outline and First Note Card: Follow the note-card system of note taking and produce one note card for approval. A preliminary outline of possible subtopics can be used as headings to help organize your note cards.
Period 1, 3, 5 & 6 - Friday, January 16th
#4 Note Cards: Produce no less than twenty (20) notecards on your topic.
BEWARE: 20 cards = 40pts, 19 cards = 19pts. (3 x 5 Submit through Google Classroom)
Period 1 & 6 - Wednesday, January 21st (Second Block)
Period 3 & 5 - Thursday, January 22nd (Second Block)
#5 Introduction with thesis: Introduction must be a minimum of 6 sentences. It should display your best writing, typed & double-spaced, with your underlined thesis at the end of the paragraph.
Period 1, 3,5 & 6 - Monday, January 26th
***Mandatory student-teacher progress appointments will start 1/20 and last through 1/23. Sign in sheet available 1/11. (appointments only 3-7 minutes each). ***
#6 Formal Outline: Use traditional Roman numeral outline form to list the order in which you will present your main ideas and supporting evidence. For each main topic, provide 3-4 facts, explanations, examples, and quotes to help substantiate your points.
Period 1, 5 & 6 - Tuesday, January 27th (First Block)
Period 3 - Wednesday, January 28th (First Block)
#7 Rough Draft with Footnotes or End-notes: Your rough draft should represent your best attempt to capture the ideas of your research in written form. It should be typed in 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced, with default margins. Cite at least 3 different sources in footnotes/end-notes.
Period 1, 5 & 6 - Tuesday, February 3rd (First Block)
Period 3 - Wednesday, February 4th (First Block)
Peer Review: Essay Circles: You will get suggestions for improvement before you write your final draft from at least three (3) of your peers. Spelling & grammar count.
Period 1,3,5 & 6 - Friday, February 6th
#8 Final Paper with revised footnotes/end-notes and revised Bibliography: This short (approx. 4-6 pgs.), but well researched paper will provide a convincing defense of your thesis in your best writing. Remember the bibliography at the back of the paper. Follow the guidelines provided. Proofread carefully. Will be submitted in Google Classroom. Due Friday, February 13th (Preferably earlier!)
Any and all questions may be sent to me at anytime by both students and parents at the following: Choneywell@alamedaunified.org.
Sincerely,
Chris Honeywell