Synthesis essay that you’ll be summarizing, analyzing, evaluating, and then the hard part:  you’ll offer readers something they hadn’t thought of until you pointed it out. It’ll be a perspective that comes from combining a close reading of two or more sources with your own point of view. The synthesis paper is something of a practice research paper; it’s also an opportunity to explore your sources and develop a clearer focus on a potential thesis.  Here’s what you do:

1.    Pick two primary sources (one of which may be a work of required reading for this class) that present varying positions on your chosen topic. These sources needn’t be in direct opposition, nor should they present identical viewpoints.

2.     Read them thoroughly several times, make notes, digest and evaluate them.

3.     Write a 750-1000 word paper that includes your summary (where needed), analysis, and an original thesis that introduces a perspective previously unavailable to readers of these primary sources.

These papers will
Be  approximately 1000 words, double-spaced, word-processed (or typed) 10-12 point font only, included indented paragraphs rather than extra white space
Include an original thesis underlined
include, only as required for context and support of your thesis, summaries and analysis of essential elements of primary sources
Include essential, not decorative, quotes
Include correct citation (parenthetical and end)