Egypt of the Pharaohs
Final Project
Fall, 2002

Overview
Each student will complete one small final research project on a specific topic of interest to him or her which will allow the student to gain in-depth knowledge of one aspect of ancient Egyptian history or culture.  You have selected your topic and discussed it with the me in October.  Feel free to contact me or come by my office hours to discuss your paper further.

Students usually elect to write an 1800-2000-word research paper, but alternative projects (film, art, play, etc.) are possible with prior approval from the professor. If you are considering an alternative project, you need to discuss it with me first.

All projects should have a central thesis they are trying to argue.  You also should use at least three (preferably at least five) print sources outside of assigned class readings.  Papers will be graded on their argument, accuracy, use of potential sources, grammar, and style.  

Late projects or projects that are shorter than the minimum word-count will receive an F!

Important due dates are:
1)  Early-mid October:  mandatory meeting with me to discuss project topic; students who do not meet with me will be graded down one full grade on their final project.
2)  Bibliography and outline due Monday December 9, noon. (I will return comments to you in class by Tuesday December 10.  )
3)  Present your topic to the class Thursday December 12.  Have about two paragraphs prepared to read to the class about your project.  (Do not "wing it"!)  These might be the first two paragraphs of your paper.  You should include your thesis and an overview of the structure of your paper.   For students working on alternative projects, this statement might be the first bit of your artist's statement or other explanation of your project; if you would like, you can the project in its current form or a photograph of it.
4)  Final Project due December 19 at 1 pm in Blackboard drop box and 318 Muller.  (When you print your paper, also send a copy to me electronically.  Then deliver the hardcopy to 318 Muller.) 

Researching Your Topic
Books on reserve for this course:
There are a variety of books on reserve at the library that will help you begin your research.  
In the Reference section of the library:
 Also look in the "for further reading" section in the back of Grimal's book!

Using the Internet
Websites may be used for research in addition to the required three to five print resources.  However, websites should be used with caution.  Websites that are administered by universities (or college/university professors with expertise on the topic) or museums are usually acceptable; most others are usually NOT acceptable.  If in doubt, check with me.  You will be graded down if you use unreliable web sources.  
A couple of "legit" places to start web research are:
Documenting your research
You must provide a bibliography with your final project, no matter what form your project takes.  Your bibliography must follow an established format such as the MLA format, the Chicago Manual of Style, or Turabian's guide.  If you do not know how to compose a bibliography, hightail it over to the writing center ASAP.  Your bibliography should include all of the books or articles you have used.  Do not "pad" your bibliography with sources you did not use!  Do include the websites you consulted.

Your paper should be documented with footnotes or endnotes to cite the sources for the facts, texts, or ideas you are using.  Again, you should use an established format, and if you do not know how to do this go to the writing center.

Be careful not to plagiarize.  Consult the "Academic Integrity" section of this website or me if you have questions about plagiarism.
 
Your footnotes/endnotes and bibliography should not be counted toward the 1800-2000 word minimum for the paper.

Page last updated 11/4/02
Copyright Caroline T. Schroeder, 2002.  All rights reserved.