Write an 10-12 page research paper (12 point font, double spaced), using the Chicago Manual of Style 17th Edition full note style.

A Good Research Paper

• Clearly defines the historical and geographical context of the topic

• Situates itself within an ongoing scholarly conversation

• Presents a persuasively argued point that is amply supported with relevant evidence from primary and secondary source material

• Acknowledges other points of view

• Discusses the significance of its claims

• Is well written and organized

To Achieve these Goals, Include:

Introductory Paragraph

• An indication of your topic

• The scholarly historical and context of your research

• The question you are addressing

• Your thesis statement

• An indication of the significance of your topic and question

Research Question

• Open-ended

• Amenable to historical research

Thesis

• An answer to the question you pose

• Arguable (i.e. open to interpretation)

• Amply supported by evidence

Evidence

• Explain which of your claims each piece of evidence supports

• Explain how the evidence supports your claims

• Acknowledge sources clearly and correctly (using Chicago Manual of Style 17th edition full note style), whether you quote or paraphrase an author’s words or merely draw upon an author’s ideas

• Use direct quotation sparingly and only when necessary

Counter Argument

• Acknowledge the scholars whose positions differ from yours

• Explain how each counterargument differs from your own claims

• Present the evidence that supports each counterargument

• Rebut each counterargument (i.e., explain why your claims are stronger)

Conclusion

• Summarize the argument

• Reiterate and elaborate the significance

Example

Consult the paper attached below to see an example of a correctly formatted and well composed student research paper.