Download Fall Research Paper - Mrs. Parsons Class

Early Modern Europe Research Project
You will write a thesis driven research paper. A thesis-driven paper makes an arguable claim and defends it. Do
not confuse a research paper with a report: you need to offer a thesis about your topic and then present evidence and analysis that
provides support and explanation.
Directions:
You will pick from the Early Modern Europe prompts below on which you will: (1) craft a research question,
(2) answer it with a thesis, (3) create an outline that details the facts and analysis that will answer your thesis, (4) submit a rough
draft to be peer edited and then (5) write a brief research paper.
You will have library and computer lab time to research and develop your ideas and write your paper. You must use (i.e.: cite) at
least three sources in your research – one of which must be a print source. These sources will be part of your research paper
and must be formatted properly on a works cited page.
Process:
1. Research one of the prompts below and organize your research using easybib note cards. The easybib tutorial is posted on my
website. You will have a minimum requirement of 3 source cards (3 sources on easybib bibliography) and 15 note cards.
2. Create a historical question (Prompt) and thesis explaining the prompt of your choice. You will get this approved
BEFORE you start on your outline. You will receive feedback to edit your thesis throughout the process. You will have multiple
check points for your thesis statement that must be kept on the thesis refinement sheet (TRS)
Due date: _________________
3. Create a research outline, complete with question, thesis, and paper outline. Your outline should include the facts that will
support your thesis and the analysis that is necessary to connect your facts to your thesis. You should make sure to address an
issue with enough research for at least a one page single spaced outline that will become a 2-3 page paper.
Due date: _________________
4. Create a works cited page following proper MLA formatting. Your works cited page must have at least three sources – all
from library sources (reference books, books, databases…) – unless you choose to include sources other than these, and then you
must include a source analysis***. Works cited page will be due on the following date.
Due date: _________________
5. Rough Draft. This serves as a complete but editable version of your final paper. This must be a minimum of 1.5-2 pages,
which will be peer edited in class.
Due Date: _________________
6. Write a 2 to 3 page, MLA formatted, research paper addressing the research question you created. Your paper must be
turned in on turnitin.com before class on the following due date
Due date: _________________
***See me if you are seeking outside sources and instructions will be given on how to write a source analysis.
Prompts
1. Why was the Byzantine Empire able to prosper while Western Europe fell in to the Dark Ages?
2. Charlemagne:
a. Impact the power of the Medieval Church?
b. Why was his empire so short?
3. Reconquista or Inquisition under Ferdinand and Isabella:
a. Impact on Spanish Economy, education, social structure, etc. (pick one)
4. Growth of a specific city (Paris, London, Florence—move beyond art), how and why did that city grow?
5. How/Why did the Black Plague have a direct relation to the start of the Renaissance?
6. How did the crusades impact the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Renaissance?
7. How was religion necessary for the rise of Humanism?
8. Why was the impact of the Renaissance minimal in some countries? (Russia/Spain/HRE)
9. How did patronage within the church influence the power/spiritual influence/focus of the church?
10. How/Why did the Age of Exploration change the balance of power in Europe?
11. How does the Renaissance continue to reflect the importance of the church to the average European?
12. How/Why did the Age of Exploration change the balance of power in Europe?
13. How do we account for the differences in Northern and Italian economic systems? (Medici Bank/Hanseatic League)