Content:Your paper should introduce the document and explain its historical context – who wrote it, when, where, and why; it should briefly summarize the content of the document (not more than 25% of the paper); and it should analyze the document’s importance inWorld Civilization.
Style:All papers must be typed or word-processedas you’ll be submitting it electronically to theAssignmentsdrop box called “AnalyticalPaper.”Use a one-inch margin on all sides, and double-space the text. Select a standard 10 or 12 pt. font (e.g, Times New Roman, Arial).Use page numbers. A title page is not necessary.If you cite a source or use a quotation, you must document this with an endnoteora footnote. Seethe followingquick reviewsitefor theChicago Manual of Style:
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/chicago_manual_17th_edition/cmos_formatting_and_style_guide/chicago_manual_of_style_17th_edition.html
Avoid monotonous vocabulary and vary your sentence structure.Beware of excessive use of the passive voice!Use transitions to link your ideas from one paragraph to the next.Use specific examples whenever possible.
Thesis:Your paper should have a clear and unambiguous thesis.It does not have to be complex or brilliantly original, but it must unify the information presented in your paper.A good thesis usually makes an argument rather than simply stating the obvious (e.g., “Ronald Reagan’s “TearDownThis Wall” speechhelped changeGerman andAmerican attitudes aboutthe Cold War and facilitated the collapse of the Soviet Union,”not “This document was important forAmerican history”). You are encouraged to consult with the professor regarding a possible thesis statement.
Lastly, for an excellent discourse onReading and Writing about Primary Sources, see:
The title of my paper is “Harriett Jacobs The life of a Slave Girl”