Money, Economy and Society -- Summer 2021: Final Project

Research Paper

A highlight of the Money, Economy and Society learning experience is writing a research paper. That experience
begins for you now and will occupy you for most of the term. It is important to get off to a good start by choosing a topic that is interesting, especially to YOU; for which sufficient material is available to you; that concerns in some way a comparison between the New Deal and the current Economic Stimulus plans; and that can be addressed thoroughly in 3-5 typed pages.

A topic that fails to meet any one of these criteria will cause problems likely to compound as you progress. Choose carefully.

This is a long-term project. Accept – right now, at the start – that you cannot possibly finish well by trying to complete the entire research project in only a few days.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

Research based on primary and secondary sources of sufficient number and quality, to be determined in consultation with the instructor. Encyclopedic sources of all kinds, such as digests of various sorts available on the Internet, are not acceptable.  Papers will be 3-5 pages in length (excluding the Title Page and the Works Cited Page) and be double-spaced, typed in Times New Roman, 12 point font, with 1-inch margins.

Source citations and Works Cited per University of Chicago style, which can be found on this site: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/home.html  

EVALUATION & GRADING:

Your work will be evaluated per this rubric, with each factor comprising 20% of your final grade.

Reading of historical sources (primary & secondary)

Thinking (understanding of subject & formulation of thesis)

Argumentation (use of information & evidence)

Writing (use of language)

Process (adherence to deadlines & U. of Chicago protocols of scholarship).

SCHEDULE:

            Initial conference with instructor……………………………………… Week 1

Topic proposal(s) ………………………………………………………  Week 2

            Thesis statement and formal outline………………………………….  Week 3

Typed draft with annotated Works Cited……………………………..  Week 4

            Final paper…………………………………………………………….... Week 5

ONE FINAL NOTE:

            Your research paper will demand a lot of time, self-discipline, careful planning, writing and rewriting, and above all, consistent effort. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!