guidance on paper

1. The legacy of the Crusades, whether positive or negative, has been contested among Christians and non-Christians alike. Although there were clearly political, intellectual, and technological benefits to Europe as a result of the Crusades, can it be said that the Crusades advanced the cause of Christ? This paper will have 2 parts: 

(1) Provide a general overview of one or more of the crusades. Discuss the reasons and contributing factors that led to the Crusades, and discuss some of the positive and negative consequences of the crusades.

 (2)  Determine whether they were representative of a Christian worldview. Do not, however, merely quote a series of Bible verses! Formulate a clear, convincing argument. Write as if you are trying to convince a close friend who disagrees with you. Note that this second section must be substantial. I am looking for a reasoned defense of your position, so it should be at least 1.5 pages of your 5-7 page

Sources: Your paper must utilize a minimum of 5 scholarly sources. You are welcome to use more.

• Unlike the research exercises, you are welcome to use your textbook as a source; however, you must not rely on it as your primary source, and you must use at least five additional scholarly sources. 
• Bible dictionaries or specialty encyclopedias (like Elwell’s Evangelical Dictionary of Theology) may be used as scholarly articles for this assignment; however, you may use a maximum of two scholarly websites or specialty dictionaries or encyclopedias. You must use at least 3 scholarly articles and/or books. I know you may not have immediate access to good sources in a local library, but there are options available through the library database and other online sources. You never need to purchase books (other than your textbook) for any assignment in this course.  Remember: books such as Church History for Dummies would not be considered a “scholarly” book. 
• The requirement for five scholarly sources means five different sources. It is fine to use multiple articles from the same website, specialty website, journal, book, or other resources; however, only one of them counts toward your minimum of five scholarly sources.
• Book reviews are not considered scholarly sources for any assignment in this course. 
• Do not use an abstract from a larger work. An abstract is a summary of a work and is not considered a “scholarly” source for the purposes of any assignment in this course.
• As with the research exercises, general websites (like Wikipedia, ReligonFacts, Theopedia, ask.com, blogs, or similar sources) are not acceptable sources for any assignment in this course. Also, as a rule of thumb, avoid articles that do not list an author. 
• You always are welcome and even encouraged to use your Bible on papers for this course, but be aware that the Bible is not counted as one of the five minimum sources.
• If you are having trouble finding appropriate scholarly articles, you might try Google Scholar (www.scholar.google.com) and JSTOR (www.jstor.org).
• If you have a question about whether a source is acceptable, contact your instructor.

Reminder for Search Parameters: As I mentioned in the earlier assignments, if you use the library’s database, it is helpful to refine your search using the following parameters: (a) Items with full text online; (b) exclude newspaper articles; (c) content type: journal article; and (d) language: English.  There are check boxes on the left side of the screen when you begin your search process. 

Note about Quotations:  Do not include long quotes (or too many quotes) from your sources. If you do, your grade will be reduced. Use quotations only when needed to support your argument.

Research Paper Formatting: 

• You must include a separate cover sheet for all three of the research papers in this class. This is not optional. 
• The paper must be 12 point, double spaced, Times New Roman font and 1-inch margins on all four sides. Please note that the five page minimum does not include the cover sheet and bibliography.  
• The first line of each paragraph should be indented by a half inch. Do NOT add additional spaces after paragraphs or sections. Remember also that the maximum length for your paper (not including the cover sheet and bibliography) is seven pages. There is no reason to exceed that length. No exceptions!
• Use Turabian citation style. Use standard footnotes at the bottom of the applicable page (not endnotes and not parenthetical citations), and place your bibliography as the last page.