Paper One
Paper One revolves around reading a selection I have posted and responding to it
via the parameters outlined below.
This reading is a chapter out of the book First in Violence, Deepest in Dirt:
Homicide in Chicago, 1875-1910 by Jeffrey S. Adler. This book focuses on crime
in Chicago in what was an incredibly dynamic period of its history. Crime often
occurred due to economic inequality in a society that was changing dramatically
due to immigration into the country and from migration into the cities. This
created a city where life was far from fair and people found new ways to compete
against one another. The chapter that is assigned is one focusing on crime that
occurred in the city’s many drinking establishments (bars and saloons).
After reading the selection, you will need to compose a paper between 700 and 800
words. Be sure to include the word count at the end of your paper. First give a
brief synopsis of the reading selection (not more than 300 words of the 700-800
total). Then discuss why this topic is important to American history and how it is
relevant to life today.
Some things to consider as you compose your paper:
Why is this important to U.S. history?
Does it relate to a group or groups who have been forgotten about?
Is it about a subject that doesn’t usually fit in to U.S. history classes? Is it
usually covered in history classes?
Do few people know about the material?
How is it relevant?
What can it explain about the U.S.?
What can it teach people today about the U.S.?
How does this topic impact your world today?
There are general format requirements for this paper. It should be double-spaced
with one-inch margins. Use only a Times New Roman 12 point font.
Your grade will be partially determined by grammar and spelling, so please follow
the rules you’ve learned in your English classes. If you have any questions, you
can contact me.
As you write, keep the following ideas in mind:
• Write in paragraphs.
• Do not refer to the book as a “novel.” Novels are works of fiction. I am
assigning only non-fiction.
• Do not use contractions (cannot should be used instead of can’t; they are
instead of they’re).
• Do not use first person (I, me, us). Use third person. It is a stronger, more
clear style of writing.
• Do not refer to individuals from the reading by their first name; only use
their last name.
• Quote sparingly. Use your own words.
• Do not use encyclopedias as sources. This includes Wikipedia.
• Include citations if needed (see below).
• Proofread your paper.
Citations
When quoting from the chapter, make sure to use quotations marks and to include at the
end of the sentence a set of parentheses (before the period) and the page number for
where the quote can be found.
Example: … “this was the most important event in U.S. history” (265).
If you use any outside material (website, book, textbook, etc.), then you also need to
include the author’s name before the page number. This is to differentiate which
sources you use.
Example: …. “this was the most important event in U.S. history” (Smith
265).
You also need to cite information even if it is paraphrased (you’ve put it in your own
words). If it is an item, a thought, an argument, etc., that comes from somewhere
other than your head, you need to cite it.
Example: The spread of voting rights has been ranked as the most important
development of the twentieth century (Jones 146).
Plagiarism is a violation of Tarleton State University’s rules on academic
honesty. Using other people’s work and passing it off as your own will
result in a failing grade on the paper. When in doubt, cite!