History 190: Guide to Short Papers
The purpose of the paper assignments is to give you an opportunity for reflection on the sources. Your grade on these papers depends on several things:
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Depth of analysis: Your paper should show that you have carefully read the source(s), and made worked through the questions to draw original conclusions. By “original” I don’t mean that you are the only person in the world to arrive at your response, but that you have done so through your own thought process.
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Use of examples: Obviously, you can’t quote extensively from the sources in a short paper, but you must include some specific examples drawn from the text. In general, direct citations are preferable to paraphrase. The format for such citations is as follows: “So she spoke, and turned her mind on all sides, seeking how to cut short the hateful life with all speed ” (Vergil, 241). Note that the close quotes occur before the parenthetical citation, the period after. Note also that the author of the text, rather than the editor of the anthology, is the person whose name is in the citation.
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Specificity: Avoid writing a paper that moves from one generalization to another. You obviously will be drawing conclusions, but these must come from a discussion of the evidence; in other words, they must reflect more than your own unexamined opinion.
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Quality of writing: I want to see good grammar, proper spelling, and an attention to style. Above all, your paper should tell a story. If, for example, you have several points to make, don’t simply list them, but make an attempt to synthesize your ideas. Also, number your pages.
Laurel Carrington carringt@stolaf.edu
Most recent update: September 14, 2010
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