AMH 4935: RESEARCH PAPER GUIDELINES

 

* * *

 

The guidelines below count for 25% of your final paper grade. 

Points will be deducted for each item not followed precisely.

 

 

Primary Sources:

·        All papers must be based predominantly on primary sources to receive a passing grade. 

·        If your paper is based primarily on secondary sources, you will not receive a passing grade in the course.

·        Of course you may – and indeed should – use secondary sources. However, the bulk of your paper should be based on research in primary sources.

 

Spelling/Grammar:

·        Spelling and grammar do count. 

·        Use spell check. 

·        Proofread very carefully.

·        Careless typos and spelling errors will be penalized severely.

·        I suggest taking your final draft to the Writing Center for help prior to turning in the final draft.

 

Font, Length, Margins:

·        Length should be approximately 20 pages, excluding bibliography and cover page.

·        Use Times New Roman, 12 point font only.

·        Use standard numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.)

 

Title Page:

·        Attach a simple title page with the paper’s title and your name. 

·        No page numbers on title page. 

·        Use only one staple in the left corner of the paper.

·        No report covers please. 

 

Page Numbers:

·        Page numbers should appear on the bottom of the page, in the center.

·        Use standard numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.)

 

Citation:

·        All papers must use proper citations.  Undocumented paraphrasing or quotation may constitute plagiarism.  Cases of plagiarism will be prosecuted to the fullest of FAU policy.  Don’t take a chance:  If you have any questions whatsoever ask me!

·        All papers must use footnotes, formatted according to the proper style. 

·        When formatting footnotes: 

o       Use standard numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.)

o       Use Times New Roman, 10-point font only.

o       Single-space the footnotes.

o       Do not put paragraph breaks between each note.

·        All papers must also have a complete bibliography, formatted according to the proper style. 

·        For stylistic guidance, consult A Pocket Guide to Writing in History.

 

Submitting Papers:

  • Your final paper must be submitted two ways: as a paper copy handed in to me, and as an electronic copy submitted through Blackboard.
    • If I do not receive an electronic copy, or if the electronic copy differs from the paper copy, you will receive a failing grade in the course.
    • Your paper will be checked for plagiarism using plagiarism detection software. 
    • Feel free to contact me with questions or concerns you may have about this policy.

 

 

Go to course schedule.

Return to Course Home Page

Return to K. Osgood’s Home Page