Thesis Paper 2015
Cycle 2 – 30% of final grade
Common Sense and the Declaration of Independence expressed ideas of a greater possibility for
humanity. Have we achieved the maxims expressed in these documents?
Paper requirements:
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Binder/Folder dedicated to research, notes, etc.
MLA format
3 to 5 pages excluding works cited page
Upload paper to Turn-It-In
Each day late shall result in a full-letter grade reduction
Excluding Common Sense and the Declaration of Independence a requirement of 5 sources is
required
Long quotations – shall not be longer than 50 words.
One Long quote per section (see below for sections) is acceptable with a maximum of 3 (or 1
quote per page)
Each paper shall have the following:
a. Introductory paragraph with thesis statement as the last sentence
i. Section 1 – Colonial period to 1877
ii. Section 2 – 1877 to 1945
iii. Section 3 – 1945 – Present
Sources…minimum requirements….
a. 1 book
b. 1 Internet – primary source
c. 1 internet – secondary source
The following sources do not count: Wikipedia…Answer.com…Yahoo answers…..ASK….etc
Sources as defined by: http://www.princeton.edu/~refdesk/primary2.html
A primary source is a document or physical object which was written or created during the time under study. These sources were present during
an experience or time period and offer an inside view of a particular event. Some types of primary sources include:
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ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS (excerpts or translations acceptable): Diaries, speeches, manuscripts, letters, interviews, news film
footage, autobiographies, official records
CREATIVE WORKS: Poetry, drama, novels, music, art
RELICS OR ARTIFACTS: Pottery, furniture, clothing, buildings
Examples of primary sources include:
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Diary of Anne Frank - Experiences of a Jewish family during WWII
The Constitution of Canada - Canadian History
A journal article reporting NEW research or findings
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Weavings and pottery - Native American history
Plato's Republic - Women in Ancient Greece
d. 2 secondary sources
What is a secondary source?
A secondary source interprets and analyzes primary sources. These sources are one or more steps removed from the event. Secondary sources
may have pictures, quotes or graphics of primary sources in them. Some types of seconday sources include:
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PUBLICATIONS: Textbooks, magazine articles, histories, criticisms, commentaries, encyclopedias
Examples of secondary sources include:
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A journal/magazine article which interprets or reviews previous findings
A history textbook
A book about the effects of WWI
MLA guidelines on how to avoid failing this project
Plagerism_Owl (click on link to open) or copy and paste https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/
Due Friday November 14, 2014 – 1 page typed
Questions to answer prior to research:
1. What is the American Dream?
2. What kind of society do I want to live in?
3. What rights must be protected and promoted to realize this type of society?
Agree or Disagree or Neutral
1. ______ The American Dream means different things to different people but
often includes the notion of having the opportunity to work hard to achieve
material success and happiness.
2. ______ The Declaration of Independence is an aspirational and inspirational
document, which has guided the development of our country—especially the
notion that all people are endowed with the inherent rights to life, liberty,
and the pursuit of happiness.
3. ______ The Declaration of Independence changed the concept of
government; it was no longer about a new set of rules. The United States was
one of the first societies built on a theory of rights.
4. ______ The American government has made promises to its citizens as well
as foreigners through the Constitution and various statutes and international
treaties. Some of these promises have been kept and some of them have not
been kept.
5. ______ The protection and promotion of rights is necessary in order for
people to have the freedom to pursue their dreams.
6. ______ As citizens it is our responsibility to actively work to uphold these
rights (through awareness, advocacy, and activism) so all individuals have the
opportunity to pursue their dreams.
7. ______ Effective questioning is the key to responsible, active, resourceful,
democratic citizenship.
Pre-research and writing –
Please discuss at your table and record your own answers.
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What is your dream? For yourself? For society?
Are there problems with the American Dream?
Whose perspective is missing?
Is it possible for everyone to achieve the American Dream?
How is creating a vision of what you want important?
How should we address competing visions?
Does the Declaration of Independence allow us to peacefully reconcile differences?
Can we peacefully live the Declaration of Independence’s vision?
How does the Constitution transform the aspirations of the Declaration into promises?
How well has America lived up to its dream?
How are we affected by whether America keeps its promises?
How can we work toward creating a better society?
What do we do now?
Thesis Generators
Ashford University Thesis Generator
https://awc.ashford.edu/writing-tools-thesis-generator.html
John McGarvey Thesis Generator
http://johnmcgarvey.com/apworld/student/thesiscreator.html
Tom March Thesis Generator
http://www.tommarch.com/electraguide/thesis.php