Okay--I wrote this a little in a comment, but just reiterating what you're doing. First, read the assignment sheet. It should have a lot of useful information on it. :) Hey, I wrote it after-all. Start by writing just the history section for the side of the controversy you will be supporting. This means if you're pro-gun control, I want to know the "who, what, when, where, and why" of that side. Tell me who was involved, what happened in the past (maybe major court decisions or bills passed), when everything happened, and why they made the decisions they made. You might highlight the arguments that were made, but you're just relating them, not supporting them at this point. Think about how a history book sounds when you read it. Organize it as I mentioned on the board (see your notes). Remember the "sandwich method?" Intro, body, conclusion, then within your paragraphs, Introduction to the paragraph/summary, point, support for your point, interpreting your source, transition to the next paragraph. Is that clear? Try to avoid using forms of "to be," since I will highlight them or circle in red. Use active verbs. We'll do some exercises to combat this after your first paper.
You should have a thesis statement for this paper. It may seem weird, since you're not yet arguing for that thesis within your paper (only giving the history), but it will help us know the context for that history and what you plan to do. Besides, getting the thesis out right away is helpful, so we can keep working on it throughout the semester. You will find that it will change from this paper to your last one.
Any other questions?
Char
Posted by tsch0070 at September 29, 2004 02:27 PM