A detailed research paper of at least seven pages of body text plus a title page and sources in an annotated bibliography. Students will also make an oral presentation of 8-10 minutes to the class and may use a PowerPoint (Online students will have a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the project to the class to be posted on Moodle). This cannot be on a person, as that is topics for oral/Powerpoint presentations. Students must select a topic and notify the instructor of the project topic by week 6. The topics will be posted online. Students cannot report on the same topic. Both parts of the project paper and presentation are due the last week of the semester.
The written report should include sources from the text, articles, and other books found in libraries or in library databases. All sources cannot come from websites. Encyclopedias and Wikipedia should not be used including electronic versions. Other sources may be recommended at the end of chapters in the main text. Some of these may have to come from interlibrary loan. Do not forget the periodicals available through the NCLIVE database. All projects must have an annotated bibliography A correct MLA Works Cited is expected for all papers. All quotes and paraphrases must have appropriate internal documentation. Students who do not know how to follow documentation, should meet with the instructor prior to the assignment due date. Students can also go to the Skills/Tutoring lab on either campus for assistance.
Students need to select a topic and submit that to the instructor who will recommend resources. Students can meet with the instructor to update progress or get additional guidance.
Students have the following choices for the research project:
a research paper on a nation/culture that developed before 1500 – If a nation is selected as the topic, the essay must identify the place in detail and explain its significance to a particular culture at a specific time and must also discuss what if any of the original place remains and what is being preserved. This must include historic buildings, a discussion of literature and one other art form – art or music that has survived. This would include what tourists could view today about the historic sites. This could include a national museum.
a research paper on an event between 5000 bce and 1600 ce – such as a military battle, a natural disaster and consequences – If an event is selected, the causes leading up to the event, the description of the event and the effects after the event must be discussed. For example, if students select a war such as the Persian War between Persia and Greece, the report needs to focus the topic to a specific aspect of the war – explain the cause of the war, a description of the battle or the military strategy or the technology and changes brought about by the event. If a natural disaster is selected such as a volcanic eruption, an earthquake or similar event, the report should discuss the geography of the region, what the area was like before the disaster and the effects of the disaster such as damage to communities.
