The history of Chicago
write a research paper on a topic of your own choosing related to the history of Chicago
Your paper should have a central argument, or thesis, that you clearly state in your introduction.
A thesis is not an opinion, nor is it a basic fact. It is an argument or assertion—something that
you have to attempt to prove throughout the paper by using evidence to convince the reader.
The evidence you will use to support your thesis will come from sources. Your sources can
include the Dominic Pacyga book Chicago: A Biography, as well as the weekly readings posted
on Blackboard. But you will be expected to use at least one outside source that you find on your
own—this can be a book, an article, or a primary source (a primary source is a historical
document from the time period you are studying, like an old newspaper article from the time
period, or a speech, letter, or diary entry by a person who lived in the period).
Please look at the uploaded document.
Special requirements
This assignment is divided into two parts:
• Paper outline (due April 7- worth 5% of your semester grade): your outline will explain
your topic, state your thesis, show how you will go about supporting your thesis with
examples and evidence, and list some sources you plan to use—it will be a “road map”
for your paper and show that you have a clear plan for writing the paper
• Paper (due May 5- worth 25% of semester grade): again, your paper will be 5 to 8 pages
long, double-spaced, 1-inch margins, using 12-point, Times New Roman font. You will
cite your sources using following the Chicago Manual of Style, using footnotes, and
including a bibliography at the end. The bibliography will count as one of your pages.
Note: The topic can be anything, as long it relates to the history of Chicago.
Please look at the uploaded document.
