Kansas Character/Characters

First Paper
(Due September 21)

We want you to prepare a 250-word essay in which you identify the character who will be the topic of your major project. You will need to do the following.

Establish the overall context of the character's era(s) in Kansas history, especially those patterns relevant to your particular character. (Give us a paragraph on historical context-to establish things like political, social, economic, intellectual content, as relevant.)

• Tell us the basis of your interest in the character you've chosen. (One paragraph should describe your interest in, and enthusiasm for, the character.)

 
• Discuss what kinds of primary and secondary sources you will use to research the character. (Your goal here is to convince us that you have ENOUGH specific sources to do your character.)

• Tell which form you'll be using--performance or website, and what the advantages and disadvantages of that choice might mean for you and your research.


Since you're going to have to turn in a good bibliography at the end of the class, now is the time to start making complete citations. Dr. Tucker has created a link on our Kansas Characters website to a good Turabian Chicago Style website. Other acceptable styles include APA and MLA: these are generally available in any good writing handbook (the English department has these available for check out if you need one). Guides for all citation forms are available at Mabee Library.

Remember, this paper is due on September 21, when you'll use it to make a brief presentation to the class--all of you ARE the class that day.

Good luck, and let us know your questions.
 

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