What are you looking for in terms of organization?i
(1)Thesis statement: this is an historical problem, and here is how I am going to solve/discuss it.
(2) Discussion of the problem using a variety of sources, woven together, synthesized. Evidence of synthesis of several sources, several points of view. Good evidence of this is a paragraph that contains material from several sources. Weak evidence of this is a paper whose first third comes from one source, the next third from a second, and the third from a third source. Weaker still is a paper drawn primarily from one source, with cosmetic references to additional sources.
(3) Analysis of the problem, either combined with the exposition (above, #2) or subsequently, where appropriate.
(4) Conclusion, stressing your interpretation and how you have shed light on the questions laid out in #1.

How can I strengthen the analytical content of my paper?
The best papers relate their specific themes to broader "payoff" questions of working- class history. These can be historical or personal, but you should explain the reasons why your topic is important and of interest. The questions of class and class consciousness are only two examples of these broader payoff questions. Why revolutions fail or succeed are two others. Your work in the course should suggest more.

What happens if I discover my topic is too broad to complete, or too narrow to find enough material on?
Start early, see me early if you have problems.

How long is really long enough?
The minimum paper length is 12 pages. I am less concerned about a maximum--life itself usually limits the length.

How many sources should I use?
The appropriate number of sources depends on the topic: rarely would three or four sources be sufficient, unless your paper is an analysis of the approaches of several different authors on a single topic, and you have read these four sources completely and thoroughly. The goal is to be able to mine a number of sources, books and articles (8 or more--20 is not too many) for useful information and then to incorporate that information into your argument. You may use class texts if appropriate, but not as a substitute for the eight or more sources. Lecture notes are not a good source for research papers: if you want to incorporate some of the ideas discussed in class, go to the written source. THE INTERNET IS A GOOD WAY TO LOCATE SOURCES BUT INFORMATION ON THE WEB MUST BE USED WITH CAUTION!!!!

Can I show you a rough draft and receive some preliminary advice on how I am doing?
Absolutely. The main thing is to consult me early so that I can respond in time for you to revise the paper by the deadline.

2. Style

When do I need to footnote?
You must cite the source of any information you include in your paper, whether or not you use a direct quote. To fail to do this constitutes plagiarism. If material in a paragraph comes all from one source, you may use just one note at the end of the paragraph.

What kind of footnotes do you want?
I prefer footnotes at the bottom of the page, following the format suggested in Kate Turabian, Guide for Writers of Term Papers. Above all, be consistent. The paper should have a bibliography, or list of sources, at the end in addition to footnotes.

Why don't word-processing programs include page numbering as a default?
I have no idea, but please number your pages.

What form do "notes and rough drafts" have to be in?
They can be in whatever form you have used. The idea is that I can reconstruct how you constructed your paper if I wish to--save all note cards, note paper, printouts, and anything in your computer on a disk. Label your disks with the type of computer you used (Macintosh or IBM-type) and the word-processing program. Put them all in a big bag. All will be returned with your papers.

3. Grading

How much does the paper count?
Thirty (30) percent of your course grade.

What is the basis of grading?
Papers will be evaluated on how well you state and explore your problem (organization), on the historical sense displayed, on the appropriateness and sufficient number of sources, on how they are used in the paper, on grammar, and style.

Do you mark down for spelling errors?
Yes, I do. Proofread your paper before turning it in. You, not your typist or your spell-checker, are responsible for errors. Papers will be marked down for excessive spelling errors or sloppiness.

What is plagiarism and what are the penalties for committing it?
Plagiarism is claiming that the work of someone else is your own. (See above advice about footnotes.) Plagiarism will be penalized by failure in the course.

Can I use a paper I am writing for another class to satisfy this assignment?
No. If in doubt about potential overlap, please see me.

4. Emergencies

What is your policy on extensions?
The papers are due Wednesday, May 3, by 5 pm. Extensions will be granted only in exceptional circumstances. Dog excuses constitute exceptional circumstances, but I have to see a picture of the felon as well as the evidence of the crime.

When and how often should I back up my paper?
Whenever you have done a significant amount of work that you wouldn't want to repeat. Hard disks crash all the time, but especially when assignments are due.

5. New Questions

Questions that come up as you are working on the papers (either by email or in person) will be posted here with their answers.