demonstrate basic research skills to your instructor and to receive feedback that will benefit you when you write research papers for future courses.

A Short Paper Assignment allows you, early in the course, to demonstrate basic research skills to your instructor and to receive feedback that will benefit you when you write research papers for future courses. 
For the 1st written assignment, students are allowed to choose your own topic, as long as it pertains to the subject of this course–up to the World War 1 era, but not including the war itself. If you have any questions on subject matter, please contact me. This is your opportunity to look a little deeper at a subject that interests you.
This short paper is at least three double-spaced pages of text (Times New Roman, font size 12) and you must consult a minimum of two academically credible sources including your textbook. (So, a minimum of your textbook, plus one other source) Avoid “.com” sites, including History.com. Include a bibliography, and citations may be in APA, MLA, or Chicago Style format. Students majoring in history must use Chicago Style format.
The short paper needs to be turned in through the assignment section for grading. If you use any of the information from your sources word-for-word, you must cite the source by using endnotes, footnotes, or parenthetical citations. Remember: if it is not common knowledge, you must cite the source.
The short paper must include a cover page with your name, course number and course title, instructor’s name, and date. You must also include a bibliography at the end of your paper. While composing your paper, use proper English. Do not use abbreviations, contractions, passive voice, or first/ second person (I, you, we, our, etc). Before submitting your paper, check your grammar and use spell check. Remember, the way you talk is not the way you write a paper. Please label your paper as follows: lastnamefirstnameHIST102ShortPaper.