MADISON HIGH SCHOOL
SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
US HISTORY II STD
RESEARCH and WRITING PROJECT
VALUE: 200 points
As part of your US History II experience, you will complete an exciting and intensive historical research
and writing project. In this assignment you will be asked to develop a thesis/position statement
around a topic included in/related to the U.S. History II curriculum. We will conduct library research as
part of this activity.
Basic Requirements/Assignment Expectations: (You will be provided with a scoring rubric at the start
of the project).
Students have the option of completing a 6-8 page thesis-driven paper with citations and formal
bibliography OR a thesis-driven multimedia presentation with one page thematic connections analysis.
You will complete this project in component stages in the following sequence, which is spelled out on a
project checklist that you will use to keep track of due dates, points earned and progress achieved
throughout the process:
STEP 1: Topic Selection: You will generate a topic or select one from a list that we as a class will be
creating throughout the course of the first semester. You will conduct reading and research around this
topic in order to develop your thesis. (5points)
NOTE: Both initial and final topic selections will include a one paragraph rationale for your choice
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Final topic selections will be expected at time of your final Annotated Bibliography
STEP 2: Textbook Research: Use your textbook to conduct some preliminary research around your topic.
Take clear notes. Now develop a preliminary thesis that could serve as a basis for a research paper.
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Next: Write down 5 questions for further research that you think need to be answered in order
to support your thesis.
NOTE: Our media specialists will assist in providing instruction on reliable “note collection” strategies.
Topic Choice/Notes/Preliminary Thesis/Research Questions will all be carefully evaluated in order to
keep you on a realistic and productive research project track.
STEP 3: Library Research: The required number of primary and secondary sources will correspond with
the highest numerical page requirement. Half of the sources must be primary, the other half secondary.
STEP 4: First Draft Annotated Bibliography: You will need to prepare an annotated bibliography. This is
formatted just like a formal bibliography except under each title you are to provide a summary of the
content and explain the value of the source as it relates to your research/preliminary research. An
annotated bibliography requires that you have examined each source carefully to ensure that the
information is directly relevant to your topic and will be useful in defending your thesis. (Media center
professionals will provide tutorials on how to successfully complete this step and you will be provided
with a model entry). (10 points)
Please put your current thesis at the top of your annotated bibliography.
Step 5: Development of Draft Thesis: After completing your preliminary research and first draft
annotated bibliography, you will be ready to create a draft of your thesis or “position” on your chosen
topic. Remember that the main section of your paper/presentation will focus on the defense of this
thesis. Prior to the conclusion you must include a thematic connections section. In this section students
would connect their topic to ONE curricular theme. (5 points)
U.S. History II Themes include:
* PEOPLING OF THE UNITED STATES
* UNITED STATES IN THE WORLD
* TECHNOLOGY, ECONOMY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
* SOCIAL CHANGE
* AN EVOLVING DEMOCRACY
NOTE: AP HISTORY sections will use College Board driven themes.
STEP 6: Final Draft of your Annotated Bibliography (10 points)
STEP 7: Final Topic Selection (5 points)
STEP 8: Rough Outline (10 points)
STEP 9: Notes/Notecards: These will be checked periodically by media center professionals. You will be
provided with a model notecard. (20 points)
STEP 10: Final Thesis: Now you will use your sources to develop a carefully worded thesis statement. (5
points)
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Your thesis should be: (please see rubric criteria)
Clearly Written (Efficient and Eloquent)
Appropriate in Scope (Neither Too Narrow or Too Broad)
Have academic integrity (Be Defensible, Plausible)
Show Evidence of Adequate Research (Demonstrate that You Have Used Your Sources Thoroughly)
STEP 11: Final Outline (10 points)
STEP 12: Rough Draft (20 points)
STEP 13: Final Draft (100 points)
GREAT JOB!!!!!
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
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Students should take rough drafts to the Writing center for assistance from ELA teachers/media
center professionals with mechanics and citations. Media center professionals will provide
instruction on MLA formatting and citations.
Paper will be assigned after the holiday break/start of semester 2 and due in early May. Exact
due dates to be announced.
Grades for the project will be distributed throughout Quarter 3 and Quarter 4 but the final grade
for the project will fall in Quarter 4.
Additional project requirements within levels: ADVANCED PLACEMENT / ENRICHED /
STANDARD, will be instructed within each class.