Tips for Reading
When tackling each week's assigned reading, particularly the primary sources from Voices and class handouts, it may help to consider the following questions:
- When was this work first written (or, in some cases, delivered)?
- Who is the author?
- Who or what is the intended audience?
- What does the author want?
- What are the key points the author is trying to get across to his or her audience?
- What is your overall impression of the work? Are you convinced?
- How do you think this work fits into the themes in class? In other words, why are we reading this?
Writing Resources
Sure, drafting a strong history essay is a challenge, but by breaking the project down into small, manageable tasks, you will get through it. To help you along the way, I've provided the following tips.
Craft an Outline
A detailed outline can serve as the framework for the final paper. It can be a way to compile evidence and brainstorm big ideas. And, by helping you organize your own thoughts and arguments, it can be your best weapon against accidental plagiarism. These are the reasons I've assigned the Outline Worksheet. Take full advantage of this exercise.
Develop Writing Skills
For your final paper in this class, your argument and thoughtful use of the Japanese Internment readings will matter most. But style will count as well. I strongly recommend browsing through this writing style guide from William Strunk, Jr. I won't expect you to follow all of these rules, but the tips can help you develop your writing for this class and for the work you will do at the University level. For just a couple of dollars, I also recommend picking up Kate Turabian's easy-to-use manual for writers.
Footnotes and Works Cited
You will be required to property cite all of your evidence in your final paper in the Chicago style. See the following links for plenty of examples:
For additional help crafting your citations, bookmark this useful Guide to Citation Styles.
About Plagiarism
Avoid it at all costs. The consequences are too serious.
The definition of plagiarism includes the following: 1) Copying from the writing or work of someone else without citing the source, 2) submitting someone else’s work as if it were your own, 3) using the views or opinions of someone else without citing the source, 4) paraphrasing someone else’s work without citing the source.
Try these simple online writing exercises to ensure your understanding of what is and what isn't plagiarism.
Plagiarism is a very serious offense that can result in a failing grade the class or further action by the Dean of the college. If you are ever unsure whether you are unintentionally plagiarizing, please let me know right away so I can help.