The essay must include an introductory or thesis/paragraph, two to seven body paragraphs (depending on prompt and amount of argument and evidence), and a concluding paragraph.
4. The introductory paragraph will state specifically the topic of the essay and what historical argument (s) you are attempting to prove.
5. The body paragraphs should neatly reflect the topic of the essay.
6. The concluding paragraph should be a succinct, specific summary of the essay.
7. Your major sources of information for the essay should be derived from the textbook, PowerPoint presentation that have been posted in each module, discussions, and question responses. Outside sources can be used as a supplement and must be relevant (relatable to the topic), reliable (accurate), and scholarly (appropriate for college level studies). Thus, sites such as e-how, ask.com, Wikipedia, general encyclopedias should not be used. Furthermore, Google—in and of itself–is not a source.
8. All information that is not your own analysis or synthesis (opinion based upon facts) must be cited, or it will be deemed plagiarized. This includes not simply direct quotes, but paraphrased information, and any ideas of another person or organization. Rule of thumb: When in doubt, cite.
9. Citations should immediately follow citable information and in parenthetical form (author(s) last name(s) ); AND/OR (website title, access date); AND/OR (Title of PowerPoint, slide number). You may have multiple sources of information for one segment of your essay.
10. Body paragraphs should contain historical arguments (what you are trying to prove) and historical evidence (facts, events, people, laws, trends, etc. that you are using to prove your arguments). Think of this in terms of a courtroom attorney presenting arguments and evidence. Both must be interwoven to make a case.
