Research Paper #2-How to Write

Research paper (#2)

1.     Pick a topic relevant to African American history, which (preferably) takes place in last half of the 20^th century (but not mandatory). Choose a topic you are passionate about and want to find out more about (such as an issue related to your career goal or your major.)

2.     Example- Career goal: Nursing. Paper topic: Health care. Issue for paper: The Ebola Epidemic.

3.     This paper will be analytical, not a summary of events; not a biography of a single individual.

4.     Write your thesis statement – take a stand based on relevant evidence you uncover.

5.     Evidence- Facts from scholarly sources to back up your thesis statement (argument).

6.     What sources can I NOT use?

a.      Wikipedia (open source, anyone can contribute)

b.     General website, author unknown, i.e. Billybob.com)

c.      Google (but you can use Google Scholar)

d.     Ask.com

e.      Encyclopedia, etc.

7.     What sources can I use?

a.      Books written by scholars

b.     Scholarly journals in library or online

c.      Use resources on LACC Library webpage

d.     Use resources you get from Google Scholar

                                                               i.      They will lead to website with the following scholarly URLs

1.      .gov

2.      .org

3.      .edu

7.     How do I prove that I used the correct evidence?

a.      Cite sources

b.     Works Cited page (also known as a Bibliography)

8.     Use MLA or APA format for citations. (We will go over in class.)

a.      Check LACC Library webpage – how to use MLA or APA format

b.     Check Purdue Owl webpage- how to use MLA or APA format