Writing a Paper in History Prof. Carlsmith

Useful Resources Paper Checklist History Handbook, Chap. 6 Dartmouth College, “How to Write a History Paper” l

Paper & Sources in our course Types of Papers –Summary One page Condense content –Analysis For primary sources Explain significance –Argument Primary & secondary Convince the reader On midterm/final exam Types of Sources –Primary Textual Visual Material Aural (listening) –Secondary Textbook Wiesner’s introduction History Channel Wikipedia

Essential Elements of Any Essay Answer the Question 5 W’s Introduction Paragraphs Clarity Proofreading

Sample Essay #1 (Summary)

Sample Essay #2 (Summary) During this period providing for the masses was a serous issue. Mesopotamia was part of the fertile crescent and was a great area to grow food in. Irrigation systems needed to be built to support these huge cities. The tigris and euphrates rivers were used to as a secodary source from which the mesopotamians could work with. It is very interesting to see that these people were clever enough to choose the fertile crecent and build amazing water system to support life and civilization. Since this particular area had sporadic rain fall, new methods had to be thought of to make the best of what hey had. The two rivers flowed very fast and the river stirred up the bottom creating silt. Workers had to deal with regular cleaning of the dikes and had to rebuild oftain because there was so much build up. Irrigation was a good method in which big canals and dikes were built. Once the water had built up and the silt settled clean water was available for use. Also little canals were dug between fields for a steady supplyof water all year round. Other issues arose when it came to making sure everyone got their fair share. “The first recorded laws regarding property rights in fact did not concern the rights of land but of water.” Many times there wouldn’t be enough water for the neighbors. So methods were being worked on so there was enough for everybody. ….

Sample Essay #3 From the deserts of Mesopotamia to the urban city of Rome, water was the key to life. Civilizations in the Ancient World used a variety of legal and technological methods to distribute water in a fair manner. In Frontinus’ discussion of Rome’s water system ca. 100 AD, he explained explicitly who had the right to water and how one gained such a privilege. Frontinus notes that there is both a public water supply for fountains and baths, and a private water supply for houses. Anyone who wishes to have water for a private house must submit an application to the Emperor. Frontinus observes that various restrictions apply to such a private licence: it cannot be inherited, the person must maintain the pipe, etc. Frontinus seems particularly interested in the various ways that some men have stolen water. For example, he says “I have found larger valves in position than had been granted” (Wiesner, p. 15) He describes others who puncture the pipes and insert an unauthorized pipe. ….