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This is your term paper for Social Studies 10. It is the most significant research undertaking that you will do this semester. Your essay should be 1,250 words in length (approximately 5 double-spaced, typed pages) and must adhere to MLA style. We recommend that you use Landmarks Citation Machine to create a works cited page.
A research paper is a typewritten paper presenting your views and research findings on a chosen topic. Your task is to read on a particular topic, evaluate the information that you find, develop a thesis and report on those findings using specific supporting evidence to support them.
You will need to do a considerable amount of independent research. You may find any or all of the following sources of information useful in your research:
- Dr. Charles Best Secondary library or contact the virtual librarian
- Coquitlam Public library (visit in person) or at askaway chat
- Douglas College or Simon Fraser University libraries (if you have a brother/sister/parent, etc. there)
- The Internet. Google is fine, but we encourage you to use meta indexes.
- Highly recommended sites include:
- The Canadian Encyclopedia
- The Dictionary of Canadian Biography
You will start by researching a broad topic related to our study of Canadian History during the 1800’s. After reading up on the topic, you will come up with some questions about it - which will give you direction for further study ( questons must be approved by the teacher). After a while, you will develop some answers, which will form the basis of your thesis.
CREATING A THESIS STATEMENT IS A PROCESS
Here are some suggestions for areas that you may wish to consider.
- Immigration to Canada (general or particular ethnic group)
- Barriers to immigration
- Settlement of the West
- The Underground Railway
- Events leading to Confederation
- Britain’s role in Confederation
- The role the Hudson' Bay Company had in settling Western Canada
- Canadian National Railroad
- The Red River Rebellion
- Riel Rebellion ( strategy, biography)
- Impact of the 1837-38 Rebellions on the development of Canada
- The Gold Rush in BC
- Chinese workers and the building of the railway
- The CPR in BC
- Women's roles and rights
- The establishment of reserves and residential schools in the 19th century
- Impact of western expansion on First Nations
- Canada's international role ( Crimean War, Boer War)
- Evolution of Responsible government
- Canadian identity at the time of Confederation (symbols)
- Growth of cities e.g. Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto (urbanization)
- Way that the arts mirrored and shaped society (music, theatre, visual art)
- BNA and the division of powers between national and federal governments
- Technological development and it effect on society
- Child labour in 19th century Canada
- Epidemics and medicine
Other Topics? Check out the Canadian Encyclopedia Timelines under various subjects listed on the right side of the page.
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Your research paper must be based on your review of a minimum of 5 sources of information (exclusive of encyclopedias). Of those sources a minimum of 3 sources must be PRINT resources. You must also include at least two primary sources in your research.
Steps you will need to follow:
1. Choose a topic
2. Explore, scan and read in depth.
3. Gather information using the required note-taking format (see handout)
4. Develop a research question that must be approved by me.
5. Develop a thesis (which is essentially an answer to your research question)
6. Prepare an outline
7. Write a rough draft proving and supporting your thesis
8. Prepare a 'Works Cited' and write your final copy.
Format of your paper:
We will spend some time in class going over this information, but you may use this information as a checklist:
1. 1 inch margins around the whole paper (top, bottom, left, right)
2. 12 point font (Times New Roman, Palatino, etc.) *
3. Double-spaced throughout
4. Proper integration of quoted material
5. Proper use of MLA format of resource citation
6. A complete Works Cited (formerly known as bibliography)
7. An appropriate title and academic title page
*Note: your term paper for Social Studies 10 MUST be type written - handwritten papers will not be accepted. If you do not have access to a computer and printer at home be sure to leave yourself ample time for the final copy to be typed on one of the school computers.
Also note: if you are planning to use school printers, the first two pages that you print are free: you must then pay 10 cents per page. Check your home printer in advance of the due date to ensure it is working before the paper is due. Late papers for any reason have 10% per day of their value deducted.
And for goodness' sake: SAVE ALL YOUR WORK!!! If you do not know how, find out before you begin working on your paper.
Due dates:
1. Research question approved: __________________________________
2. Note taking sheets submitted: __________________________________
3. Outline prepared and submitted: _______________________________
4. Rough draft of your paper: _____________________________________
5. Final copy of your paper: ______________________________________
If you require more assistance with any aspect of your paper be sure to see me. Come see me before school with any questions that you may have.
HELP CITING SOURCES
HELP KEEPING YOUR ESSAY ON TRACK
Link to Charles Best Library
