History Professor Paul Steeves' FSEM research project
Research Paper Step 1: Write one paragraph describing the general topic you will deal with in your research paper. Be as specific as you can be at this point.
Research Paper Step 2: Reference article: Find an article in a substantial reference work that provides detailed information about the general area that includes your proposed topic.
[A substantial reference work usually has a title like "encyclopedia," "dictionary," or "handbook." It includes many details in the articles plus specific bibliography at the end. Examples would include: The Modern Encyclopedia of Russian and Soviet History (MERSH); The Modern Encyclopedia of Religions in Russia and the Soviet Union (MERRSU); The Modern Encyclopedia of Russian and Soviet Literature (MERSL).]
Write a paper of about 250 words that summarizes what the article says, with particular attention to information that especially interests you and pertains to your proposed topic.
Identify 2 or 3 people who were integral to the topic that interests you.
Identify from the bibliography one or more sources that promise to be useful for your study.
Research Paper, Step 3: Read a scholarly article that deals with a topic that is close to your topic. Fill in the following information.
1. Complete bibliographical identification of article (author, title, journal, year, pages):
2. What is the thesis of this article?
3. What information does the author provide to support the thesis?
4. What information might be useful for your research?
5. What kinds of sources does the author use?
6. What sources are cited that might be useful for your research?
Research Paper, Step 4: Compile a list of sources that you will use in your research. Separate them into two categories: primary sources and secondary sources. Write a brief note about each source stating how you think the source will contribute to your research and paper.
Research Paper, Step 5: Choose one of your primary sources and write an analysis of the source (what does the source show about the 18th century? How does the source contribute to an understanding of your topic?)
Research Paper, Step 6: Early draft of paper. Submit as much of the text of your paper as you have written. It should reveal at least the following information: (1) your initial thesis statement (what the paper proves) and (2) three or four principal points to be developed in the argument of your paper.
Research Paper, Step 7: Presentations. All students must submit a hard copy of their papers at the beginning of class on this date.
