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GER 589 "German Civilization" Semester Paper

Semester Paper for German 589

The purpose of the semester paper, which counts as the course final, is to allow you to explore a topic of German cultural history which is of particular interest to you. Focus on a specific topic, identify the contents matter, and propose strategies and interpretations for gaining a critical understanding of the problems and challenges connected with this issue.

Credit:You have two options involving the composition of this paper. Option A: 40% of the course grade (cover page, 10 text pages, double spaced, bibliography). Option B: 20% of the course grade (cover page, 5 text pages, double spaced, bibliography) if accompanied by a multimedia web exhibit, which will account for the other 20% of the course grade.

Date due:  - December 7, 1999. Essays will not be accepted after that date. 

Specifications:

• Consult with me BEFORE choosing a topic, and follow the calendar in submitting drafts and revisions. Here is the calendar summary: First paper outline (working title, 1-2 text pages) due: Tuesday, October 5. First web exhibit design (optional) due: Tuesday, October 19. 2nd paper outline (3-6 text pages, bibliography) due: Tuesday, October 26. Final paper draft (4-8 pages, bibliography) due: Tuesday, November 23. Deadline for posting final web exhibits (optional): Tuesday, November 30. Final paper due: (cover page, 5-10 text pages, bibliography) due: Tuesday, December 7, 8:00 PM.
• E-mail me if you need more guidance or advice on the composition of your paper.
• Once your topic is approved, you can start your research. Start early. You can hand in the final essay any time during the semester, but it must be in no later than the final due date.
• Limit the essay to10 double-spaced pages, or 5 double spaced pages if you design a corresponding web exhibit. 
• Follow the MLA Handbook guidelines for referencing sources.
• Make sure you have introduced your major thesis in the first paragraph and that the remainder of the essay develops that thesis. Support your thesis, your arguments, and contentions by including numbered quotes (3-6 lines at most) and citations from reference works, literature, web pages, articles, or any other authentic sources you used to work up the paper. It is not unusual to have 2 or 3 reference notes per textpage.
• Be sure to include a conclusion, about one page in length. 
• Use endnotes rather than footnotes.  The endnotes page(s) should be entitled NOTES, and should contain the references for the essay, including reference works, literature, web pages, articles you consulted. 
• Include a cover page with your name and other pertinent information, followed by the essay and the NOTES (endnotes/references section). 
• Staple the essay in the upper left corner. 
• Do not use any plastic covers or other materials.
• If you want your essay returned, give me a SASE manila envelope with sufficient postage.