Six-Step Assignment: Building Your History Research Paper
Pop History
Overview: Over the next few weeks, you’ll develop a short, clear argumentative essay (not a narrative) with your peer group. We’ll build it step by step, starting with the most challenging part: the thesis. Use the graded discussion from a previous module as your topic foundation. I’ve grouped you with others based on similar topics to collaborate on the discussion board. Share ideas, encouragement, and critiques as you go.
Step 1: Craft Your Thesis
Review your graded topic from a prior module based on the discussion boards from the previous weeks. Write a single-sentence thesis—your central, arguable claim about that topic, supported by evidence.
Explain in 2–3 sentences why it matters (the stakes): What question or problem does it address that isn’t obvious?
Example:
Thesis: “President Truman’s decision to use the atomic bomb in 1945 stemmed more from political strategy than military necessity.”
Stakes: “This matters because it challenges the common view that the bomb was solely a wartime tactic, raising questions about Cold War motives.”
Goal: A focused, debatable starting point.
Step 2: Gather Evidence
Find two primary sources (firsthand accounts like letters, speeches, or diaries) related to your topic. Post citations and a summary (2–3 sentences each) on the discussion board, explaining how they support your thesis.
Example:
Source: Truman’s diary, July 1945— ”Shows his focus on impressing Stalin.”
Source: Hiroshima survivor account—”Highlights the bomb’s human cost, questioning its necessity.”
Goal: Collect concrete, relevant evidence.
Step 3: Analyze Your Evidence
For each source, write a short paragraph (4–5 sentences) analyzing what the evidence means beyond its surface details. Post this on the discussion board, asking peers for feedback.
Example: “Truman’s diary entry about Stalin suggests he saw the bomb as a diplomatic tool, not just a weapon, implying political motives outweighed military ones.”
Goal: Interpret evidence to strengthen your argument.
Step 4: Build Your Argument
Task: Draft a 300–400-word essay outline on the discussion board. Include:
Intro with thesis and stakes.
Two sections link a source’s evidence and analysis to your thesis.
A counterargument (e.g., “Some say the bomb was purely military”) and your response.
Example: “Section 1: Truman’s diary shows political intent; Section 2: Survivor accounts question necessity.”
Goal: Create a logical sequence of ideas.
Step 5: Refine Structure and Style
Task: Expand your outline into a 500–600-word draft. Please post it on the discussion board. Use:
Clear transitions (e.g., “However,” “Next”) to connect ideas.
Key terms (e.g., “strategy,” “necessity”) defined and repeated.
A formal tone, past tense, avoiding “I” or vague phrases like “people say.”
Goal: Ensure clarity and coherence for readers.
Step 6: Finalize and Title
Task: Revise your draft based on peer feedback. Add a title that informs and intrigues (e.g., “Truman’s Bomb: Strategy Over Surrender”). Submit your final 500–600-word essay to me, with a Chicago-style bibliography for your two sources.
Goal: Deliver a polished, persuasive argument.
Guidelines:
Collaboration: Post each step on the discussion board for group input.
Three posts are required overall.
Sources: Stick to primary sources; use the Writing Center’s tips on interrogating them (e.g., Who wrote it? Why?).
History Writing: Write in past tense, be specific, avoid presentism, and proofread carefully (see "Conventions of History Writing").
Questions: Ask me if it is unclear—my guidance trumps all!
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Harvey, Gordon. “A Brief Guide to the Elements of the Academic Essay.” Yale-NUS College.
Harvard College Writing Center. “A Brief Guide to Writing the History Paper.” Harvard University.