You will be writing a research paper on one of two topics: the Electoral College or Confederate Monuments. You may choose the topic that appeals to you most. You do not have to write two papers.
You MUST complete this assignment with a 70% or above to pass this course. If you do not achieve a 70% the first time you submit it, you will be allowed to revise the paper .
You must use at least five SCHOLARLY sources (not Wikipedia or an Encyclopedia) in your paper.
You will cite your sources using either Chicago format or Turabian format, not MLA or APA. There are examples listed below.
You will double-space your paper and use Times Roman font size 12.
You do not need a cover or title page.
Your word count must be 750-1250 words, not counting the notes and Bibliography.
You will type the word count on the first page of the paper.
You will have a footnote or endnote for every citation. Footnote numbers are sequential. Footnote numbers do not repeat even if citing a source for the second or third time. Please look at the examples carefully.
You will have a separate Bibliography page that lists all the materials you looked at even if you did not use them in the paper. Authors are listed in order by their last name.
The following are some resources to help you with the citations.
PROMPT: Is it appropriate for cities/states to publicly display monuments (flags, statues, etc.) to the Confederacy? Why or Why Not?
A starting point for your consideration is below:
Supporters Argue
Confederate monuments are symbols of southern pride and heritage, honoring the valor and courage of Confederate soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Civil War, and should be displayed on public property. It is wrong to vilify symbols that many people value just because a misguided few have misappropriated their meaning.
Opponents Argue
Confederate monuments are symbols of racism, hate, and treason and have become inextricably tied to slavery, white supremacy, segregation, and discrimination against African Americans. Displaying Confederate symbols on public property endorses a harmful ideology that perpetuates the errors of the past.
Issues and Controversies
Remember, this is a RESEARCH-based assignment, not simply an opinion piece. Include EVIDENCE to support your ideas. Be sure to consider historical context when addressing the issue. It is important to determine when an why these monuments were erected in the first place.
PROMPT: In light of the 2016 Presidential election, many questions were raised about the Electoral College.
You will write a paper on this topic answering the following questions:
What is the Electoral College?
How and when was it established?
Why was it established?
What role does the Electoral College play?
Are electors required to vote for the candidate who won the election in his/her state? Why or why not?
How many times has a candidate won the majority vote, but not won the Presidential election?
What are the pros and cons of keeping the Electoral College system? (The bulk of your paper should cover this question)
Now that you have done your research, what is your own educated position regarding the Electoral College? Should we keep it or get rid of it? Why do you feel this way?
