HS 335

Renaissance and Reformation

Spring 2019

Dr. Phillips

Guidelines for Research Paper

Topic: Any topic that relates to the Renaissance and Reformation from 1400 to 1600.  Choose a topic that suits your interests but also is manageable.  If you are not sure about a topic, ask me to assist you.  You should begin your topic search immediately.  Think in terms of what question(s) do I want to answer or examine.  This topic will lead you to formulate a thesis.

Thesis:  This is really the answer to the question(s) you asked to develop your topic.  You should make an argument and back it up with your sources.   https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/turabian/citation-guide.html       

Requirements: 

1. Your paper MUST be 10 pages. 
2. You MUST use at least TEN sources.  TWO sources must be articles from a scholarly journal.  THREE sources MUST be primary sources (i.e., a letter, sermon, book, record or work of art originally produced from 1400-1600). 

             3. You MUST properly cite your sources. 

Basic Structure of Paper:

I. Introduction (2 pages)

1. Statement of Thesis = What’s your basic point?
2. Historiographic Context (Who else has written about this topic?  What did they say about it?)
3. Foreshadowing of Findings (a paragraph that hints at your conclusion)

                        II. The Body: Evidence and Arguments (5-7 pages)

1. Narrative = tells a story
2. Analytical =                        

                       III. Conclusion (1-2 pages)

1. Synthetic Conclusion (What have you concluded about this topic as a result of your research?)
2. Broader Implications and Further Research (How does it relate to the field of Renaissance or Reformation?  How might you pursue this topic further?)    

                        IV. Scholarly Apparatus

1. Footnotes
2. Bibliography   

Suggestions:   If you have questions, talk to the professor about them. 

                        Avoid verbose phraseology!

Avoid colloquial phraseology! (Don’t write in the same manner you speak.)  

                        Avoid passive voice and use active voice more often. (i.e. Roland Bainton                          wrote Here I Stand. NOT: Here I Stand was written by Roland Bainton.)

                         Edit your writing as much as possible.

                         Use a consistent footnote or citation style.

                         Cite any ideas or thoughts not your own. (a quote is not necessary.)

                         Avoid use of first person. (Avoid “I think” or “I feel”) 

Verbs to Use:  assert

                         state

                         conclude

                         discuss

                         argue

                         demonstrate

                         show

                         maintain

                         explain

                         confirm