Purpose
Learners will write a research paper analyzing a historical topic covered in the course, demonstrating the ability to locate sources, and clearly communicate an argument that analyzes complex historical questions.
Objectives
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a historically relevant topic/question
Demonstrate research skills by providing relevant information to support their interpretation and argument of historical question
Details
Students will begin by selecting a topic of their choice covered during the course
Students will then develop an historically relevant question that analyzes various aspects of Western Civilizations
Students will need to develop questions that address questions of how or why rather than factually based questions, students want to an analytical essay and not a report
Students must then locate at least 10 sources (5 primary and 5 secondary) that will assist them in answering their question(s)
Primary source material includes sources from the period being studied and can include, but are not limited to: letters, histories, journals, paintings, architecture, sculpture, etc.
Acceptable secondary source material would include, but not limited to scholarly journal articles, appropriate scholarly databases and websites (official museums and libraries), historical documentaries that demonstrate rigorous scholarly research, etc.
Students should consult the assigned reader, online librarian, or instructor for assistance in obtaining sources
Students will then write a formal 2500-3000-word analytical essay that presents a clear argument or thesis that may be supported by secondary and primary sources
Essays should be submitted as a PDF or DOCX
Format should include Times New Roman 12-in font, standard margins, and double spaced
Proper citations should be used for all references made to sources along with a Works Cited page using the Chicago style
Throughout the course students will submit a topic proposal following the instructions presented in Module 3
Students will also submit an annotated bibliography as instructed in Module 7
Rubric
Category  Outstanding Very Good Average Poor
Thesis
20 Points
The purpose of the project is clear. The audience has a clear idea of the point of the project. The purpose of the project is relatively clear. The audience may have a relative idea of the purpose of the project, but may have to infer somewhat. The purpose of the project is relatively clear, though the audience may have to infer or use contextual clues. There is some vagueness in the presentation or cohesion of the project. The purpose of the project is obscure. The audience has little understanding of what is the point of the presentation.
Subject Knowledge and Perspective
40 Points
The quality of the project exhibits expert knowledge and accuracy of the historical figures, events, and/or eras. The perspective (or point of view) is realistic and research-based.
The quality of the project exhibits near expert knowledge and accuracy of the historical figures, events, and/or eras. The perspective (or point of view) is mostly realistic and research-based. The quality of the project exhibits some expert knowledge and accuracy of the historical figures, events, and/or eras. The perspective (or point of view) is somewhat realistic and research-based. The quality of the project exhibits little expert knowledge and accuracy of the historical figures, events, and/or eras. The perspective (or point of view) is not realistic nor research-based.
Sources
20 Points
The sources used were appropriate and added substantial research and information to the project. At least five primary sources and five secondary sources were used.
The sources used were mostly appropriate and added strong research and information to the project. At least four primary sources and four secondary sources were used. The sources used were somewhat appropriate, but only added mediocre research and information to the project. Fewer than four primary sources and four secondary sources were used. The sources used were not always appropriate and added little research and information to the project. Fewer than four primary sources and four secondary sources were used.
Overall Production, including Writing
20 Points
The project exhibits outstanding evidence of clear and creative originality.
All written aspects of the project are of high professional quality, including grammar, punctuation, spelling, and paragraph construction.
The project exhibits very strong evidence of clear and creative originality.
All written aspects of the project are of very high professional quality, including grammar, punctuation, spelling, and paragraph construction.
The project exhibits average evidence of clear and creative originality.
The written aspects of the project  were inconsistent and did not always meet the level of high professional quality. These aspects included grammar, punctuation, spelling, and paragraph construction.
The project exhibits little evidence of clear and creative originality.
The written aspects of the project  were below average and did not meet the level of high professional quality. These aspects included grammar, punctuation, spelling, and paragraph construction.