QUESTION

Proposal: due by 11/19 3:00 PM CST
The propsal: Proposal that is approximately two pages. One page will be your description of your topic and the questions or hypotheses you’re engaging with so far. The second page should be an annotated bibliography that includes both primary and secondary sources.
Final Writing Assignment: You have the chance to spotlight a person, strike, riot, or conspiracy that we did not study deeply in class. You will conduct original research and write an essay about
the topic of your choice. A proposal and rough draft will be due, which you will revise after getting comments. Undergraduates will be required to write a 7-8 page paper and only use
historiographical references when necessary for their own argument.
See attached.

SOLUTION

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

✅ Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Your Proposal and Final Paper

Part 1: The Proposal (Approx. 2 pages)

Page 1: Describe Your Topic and Research Questions

Pick a Unique Topic
Choose a person, riot, strike, or conspiracy that we didn’t explore in depth in class. Make sure it’s something that truly interests you and allows for research using both primary and secondary sources.
Formulate Your Main Question(s)
Ask yourself:
- What is significant about this person/event?
- How has it been remembered or forgotten?
- What debate or perspective do I want to explore?
Craft a Hypothesis or Tentative Argument
Don’t stress if this changes later! For now, make an educated guess about what your research might show. Example: “This strike revealed deeper economic anxieties that traditional narratives have overlooked.”
Contextualize It
Briefly explain the historical background and why this topic deserves a closer look. Show that you understand how it fits into broader historical questions or periods.

Page 2: Annotated Bibliography

Include at Least 4–6 Sources
A mix of primary and secondary sources. Label each as either Primary or Secondary.
Format Each Entry Like This:
- Citation (APA, MLA, or Chicago – stick to one style)
- Annotation (3–5 sentences)
  - What is this source about?
  - How will it help your paper?
  - Why is it important?
Use Academic Databases
JSTOR, ProQuest, and your university library catalog are excellent starting points.

Part 2: The Final Writing Assignment (7–8 pages)

1. Revisit and Refine Your Argument
After your proposal is approved and you receive feedback, narrow or adjust your argument based on what you found.

2. Use Primary Sources Thoughtfully
Analyze—not just summarize—the primary documents. Ask:

What does this source reveal?
How does it support or challenge my thesis?

3. Engage with Secondary Sources Selectively
Only use historiography when it directly strengthens your argument or when you’re entering into a scholarly conversation.

4. Structure Your Paper Effectively

Intro: Clear thesis statement and roadmap.
Body Paragraphs: Each with a clear topic sentence, evidence from sources, and analysis.
Conclusion: Reinforce your argument and briefly suggest broader implications.

5. Revise with Purpose
Don’t just edit for grammar. Ask yourself:

Is my argument clear and persuasive?
Have I used sources effectively?
Is the structure logical and easy to follow?

Tips for Success:

Stick to the required page lengths.
Stay in contact with your instructor about your topic if you hit a roadblock.
Keep track of your citations early to avoid plagiarism or formatting issues later.

Exploring Unstudied Historical Figures or Events in Your Final Paper