CLAS 275

Spring 2017
Sparta

Final Research Paper

Due on May 9th, by 11:59 pm.

Requirements:
Length: approximately 9-10 (12 max) pages.
Please, use 12 point font, Times New Roman font, double space, 1 inch margins all around.
Proper heading and citations are necessary
No cover page is needed, just begin on page one.
Follow citations rules for this class: ancient citations are (in text) and modern citations are
footnotes in Chicago style.
Works Cited Page is needed (Chicago Style)

Description:
Although I can suggest topics and help you flush out a thesis, the research paper should be
student generated. You will want to pick a topic that interests you and then, begin thinking of questions
to ask. Developing the thesis may be a long process. Begin with the topic, research it, and as you read and
examine the sources begin to refine and work on the thesis.
As a research paper you will want to get moving on your research as soon as possible. I do put
many books on reserve, but these are on 3 hour loan.

If you need any help along the way please do not hesitate to see me as I am happy to help with
any part of this paper.

Remember that a good research paper contains 1) a thesis 2) use of primary sources 3)
use of secondary sources.
You want to exhaust all primary sources and then, use an appropriate amount of
secondary sources for a 10 page paper.
There is no limit on sources, but for a 10 page paper you should have at least 2
secondary sources that are not the textbooks for this class.

Avoid:
(The obvious misuse) Using a Secondary source at the end of the paper in order just to add
another source
(The not-so-powerful misuse) Using a Secondary source to repeat points.
(The woops misuse) Using a Secondary source without understanding the content
(The content only misuse) Using a Secondary source without understanding how it relates to your
own idea or claim

Try to:
Envision yourself in a conversation with ALL the sources
How do their ideas add to, support, or challenge your own?
How do your ideas differ from theirs?
How do their ideas differ from one another?
How do their ideas agree with the others?
When the conversation ends, how do you and all the sources end it?