• Response essays need to be argument driven and draw on course materials. One of the things I’ll be looking for is evidence that you’ve actually done the readings and paid attention in class.
• You don’t need to use outside sources unless the reading prompt asks you to do so. If you do reference an outside source, remember that you must cite it. In history we use the Chicago Manual of Style; a quick reference can be found here at the Purdue OWL: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/chicago_manual_17th_edition/cmos_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html
• If you are using course materials or class discussions, you don’t need to cite them in footnotes/endnotes. However, you should attribute any quotation with its author: e.g. “Colin Calloway wrote….”

Formatting:

• 1–2 pages (please do not go over 2 pages!)
• Double-spaced
• 12-point font

Tips:

• Make sure you read the prompt (in the syllabus) and understand what it is asking
• State your argument or thesis in a strong topic sentence.
• Use evidence from our class readings/lectures/discussions to support your argument
• Edit your paper for grammar errors and typos
• Cite any outside sources
• If you have any questions, talk to your professor!