History Common Assignment
PAPER ANALYSIS INSTRUCTIONS
I. Reading Selection:
Select an article/monograph in a scholarly historical periodical from the San Jacinto
College Library System (either in print or through a database) or a topic of your choice
pertaining to the historical period covered in this course (U.S. History Origins to 1877).
You can find an article by clicking on the “History Research” link in the “Content” section
of the Blackboard Course Web Site to access a link to the library database and other
library services.
II. Preparation of Paper Analysis:
A. Content
1. Thesis – Explain the author’s main argument or focus of the topic or article.
2. Evidence – Analyze the evidence that the author uses to support his/her thesis. Does
the evidence support his/her thesis? (Please identify any primary sources used.) What
qualifications does the author have that make him/her qualified to write on the subject?
3. Conclusion – Provide comments and/or criticisms of the work. Read and comment
on one or two contrary perspectives on the topic (one must be primary.) How does this
issue affect your world today and does is change your outlook in any way or push you
toward any action?
B. Style
1. Typewritten, Double-Spaced on Letter-size (8 1/2″ x 11″) Plain White
Paper. Font Size must be Times New Roman 12 point
2. Length -500 words
3. Citation – refer to the Citation Help Tab in the San Jacinto College South Library
Research/Database page for resources and directions on how to cite the article in the
paper.
C. Submission
Download completed paper as a word attachment in the Signature Assessment Paper
Submission link located in the Content section of the Blackboard Course Web Site on or
before 11:59 PM on Friday 25 March 2022.
D. Tutorial Assistance
Take a copy of this instruction page with you and visit the writer’s center in the library on
South Campus if you need assistance and/or have questions regarding how to
complete the assignment.