Lecture Notes: Introduction to Paper 1 Assignment

Overview

• Major assignment: Paper 1
• Significant portion of cumulative grade
• Importance of understanding guidelines and expectations

Accessing the Paper 1 Guidelines

• Download from Canvas under:
  • Modules > Paper Assignment Resources
  • Assignments > Paper 1

Paper Topic

• Based on Frederick Douglass’s book, My Bondage and My Freedom
• Central claim: Slavery victimizes everyone, including slaves, slave owners, and non-slave-owning whites
• Key question: How can Frederick Douglass make this claim?

Expectations for the Paper

• Not a book report
• Utilize information from:
  • Weekly readings
  • Lectures
  • Class discussions

Argumentative Paper Requirements

• Develop a thesis statement:
  • Last sentence of the introductory paragraph
  • Format: "Douglass can make this claim because..."
• Importance of clarity and argumentation

Avoiding Plagiarism

• Avoid internet sources
• Rely on class materials and readings
• MLA format for citations

Source Requirements

• No outside sources allowed
• Use only:
  • Douglass's readings
  • Weekly readings
  • Lecture notes
• Include a works cited page

Paper Formatting

• Length: 2-3 pages
• Double-spaced, 1-inch margins
• Font size: 12-point, any style
• Thesis statement: Bold font
• Avoid personal pronouns and contractions for professionalism

Late Submissions and Extensions

• Late submissions accepted with penalty
• Consideration for extensions based on circumstances

Citation Guidelines

• For lectures: Use instructor’s last name and date/title
• For weekly readings: Use "YOP" or author's last name
• For Douglass's text: Use Douglass and page number from your version

Additional Resources

• Other instructional videos available for further guidance

Final Notes

• Encouragement and support for students
• Reminder to review additional resources for further clarification