The third written assignment is a formal research essay due at the end of the semester. The required length for this final project, including properly-formatted footnotes and single-spaced bibliography, is 1100–1300 words. You’ll find a choice of prompts below. All work must be your own. Because this is a more challenging assignment than the others, make sure to get an early start and to ask questions as they arise.
Emphasize assigned “primary” sources whenever possible. As usual, balance generalizations with specific detail and examples from the relevant assigned readings. Additional requirements about the use and citation of sources follow the prompts.
Limit direct quotations and especially block quotations, i.e. direct quotations exceeding three typed lines. It is usually more effective to paraphrase—to rephrase in your own words—the idea and then state the significance/relevance to your argument.
*** USE OF THE CHICAGO CITATION SYSTEM IS REQUIRED FOR THE FINAL PROJECT!
For Writing Assignment #3, you must cite your sources in the required format when engaging specific information, whether it is directly quoted or put into your own words. FINAL ESSAYS COMPLETELY LACKING REFERENCES EARN NO CREDIT.
The final essay REQUIRES the use of footnotes and the preparation of a bibliography. Both MUST be formatted carefully according to the Chicago system. For the required Chicago footnote format, see “Chicago Citation Samples” below and the Chicago PDF guide on Blackboard. Get started early. If you need extra help or practice with Chicago, contact Dr. Rapp right away!
Insert footnotes using the automatic feature in Word or a 100%-compatible program. (This is required!) Using your mouse, click in your main text where you want to add a footnote. In Word’s main menu, click “References” and then “Insert Footnote.” Word will automatically insert the superscripted number in your main text and open a footnote box at the bottom of the screen. You should not type any footnote numbers manually. As a bonus, Word will automatically renumber your footnotes as you insert new ones or delete unneeded ones. Note: the procedure may differ for cloud-based versions of Word.
Please do not use ibid. in this course.
The required bibliography must also be formatted in Chicago. Starting on a new page, begin by centering the word “BIBLIOGRAPHY.” Skip a few lines, and type your entries. They must be properly alphabetized. Note that the format for bibliographical entries differs from footnotes. For examples, see Chicago Citation Samples” below and the Chicago PDF guide on Blackboard.
Both the bibliography and footnotes should be single-spaced. Please make sure all are set to Times New Roman font.
Always type your own references and bibliographical entries based on your copy of the readings. The use of computer programs, apps, websites, etc. to generate references is forbidden for this course.
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PROMPT OPTIONS FOR WRITING ASSIGNMENT #3
Select ONE (1) of the following prompts. Begin with an appropriate title. Your original contextualization and analysis are central to this assignment. Keep description, plot summary, and direct quotations to a minimum. Don’t forget to provide a clear thesis and necessary historical context, including indications of place and time as appropriate. Emphasize primary sources whenever possible. Remember: unapproved sources may not be used for the writing assignments in this course.