MY Topic: MARTIN LUTHER

Research Paper Guidelines: Each student will prepare a 1250-1750 word general research paper on one of the topics listed below. The paper should be typed, double spaced, and in a 12pt font. This paper must be supported by at least 5 legitimate sources, including at least 1 primary source. The paper must also be supported by citations (footnotes) and a bibliography page, and these must conform to the History Department Writing Guide. The paper is worth 30% of the course grade.

Students may formulate their own paper topic, but ONLY in consultation with the professor.

Expectations for Research Papers

This is designed to be a short guide to what the History Department expects from research papers in its courses. IT DOES NOT REPLACE THE HISTORY DEPARTMENT WRITING GUIDE! In addition to being graded on the factual content of the paper, you will also be graded upon the following:

Plagiarism – If you plagiarize, you will receive either a 0 for the assignment, or a 0 for the course, at the discretion of the professor. You will then be subject to all penalties described in The Lance.

Unacceptable selection and/or use of sources – If you make use of unacceptable sources (Wikipedia, other non-refereed internet sources, etc.) OR you use your sources in an unacceptable manner (paraphrasing, etc) your grade will be immediately reduced to a 69 (a D!), and all subsequent grading will begin from that point.

Failure to cite – You must properly cite your sources (i.e. footnotes). A bibliography at the end of the paper, while a necessary component of the paper, does not replace the need for citations. Any paper turned in without citations will receive a 0! Papers with minimal citations will be graded accordingly.

Improper Citation – The History Department Writing Guide prescribes the appropriate method of citation (Turabian style footnotes). Turning in a paper with citations in another format (MLA or APA), will result in the reduction of your grade to a 75, and all subsequent grading will begin from that point.

Late Papers – Late papers will NOT be accepted. All papers for this course are to be submitted via the Canvas course page. The paper file MUST by in .docx, .doc, .wpd, .rtf, or .pdf format. You may NOT submit .wps (Wordpad or Microsoft Works) files. It is solely the student’s responsibility to make sure the proper paper, in the proper file format, is uploaded by the proper time. Hard copies or e-mailed papers will not be accepted. Late papers or improperly submitted papers will receive a grade of 0.

Grammar and Spelling – The ability to communicate via the written word is a necessary component of a college-level education. Thus, grammar and spelling are ALWAYS important! The existence of some consistent, but minor, grammatical/spelling problems will result in the loss of a letter grade. Consistent major grammatical problems will drop the paper to a 69, and all subsequent grading will continue from that point. Such grammatical issues include, but are not limited to, the following:

Subject/Verb Agreement

Tense Shifting

Run-on Sentences

Sentence Fragments

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Research Paper on Martin Luther

Step 1: Understand Your Assignment Requirements

Before you write a single word, make sure you clearly understand what’s expected:

Topic: Martin Luther
Length: 1250–1750 words
Sources: At least 5 legitimate sources
- 1 must be a primary source
Citations: Must use Turabian style footnotes
Bibliography: Required, in addition to footnotes
Format: .docx, .doc, .pdf, .rtf, or .wpd — no .wps
Submission: Must be on time and via Canvas only
Grading weight: 30% of your final grade

Step 2: Choose a Focused Thesis on Martin Luther

Narrow your topic to a specific angle. Some examples:

Martin Luther and the 95 Theses: Origins and Impact
Luther’s Theology: Justification by Faith Alone
Luther’s Conflict with the Catholic Church
The Role of Printing in Luther’s Reform Movement
Luther and the Peasants’ Revolt

Your thesis should present an argument, not just a summary. Example:

“Martin Luther’s rejection of indulgences was not only a theological dispute, but also a political challenge that transformed European religious authority.”

Step 3: Begin Your Research

Use at least 5 credible academic sources, including 1 primary source such as:

Luther’s 95 Theses
On the Freedom of a Christian
Address to the Christian Nobility of the German Nation
Letters or trial transcripts from the Diet of Worms

Examples of secondary sources:

Here I Stand by Roland Bainton
Martin Luther: Renegade and Prophet by Lyndal Roper
Scholarly articles from JSTOR or your university library
Reputable history texts or academic publishers

Avoid:

Wikipedia
Blogs or unverified websites
Paraphrased content without citation

Step 4: Organize Your Paper Structure

Introduction

Hook your reader with a compelling opening
Introduce Martin Luther and your specific focus
End with a clear thesis statement

Body Paragraphs

Each paragraph should center on one main idea
Use evidence from your sources and include Turabian footnotes
Make sure to include:
- Luther’s background and early life
- Key events (95 Theses, Diet of Worms)
- Theological ideas (justification by faith, authority of Scripture)
- Broader impacts (Protestant Reformation, political consequences)

Conclusion

Restate your thesis in a new way
Summarize key points
End with insight into why Luther’s legacy still matters

Step 5: Add Footnotes and Bibliography

Use Turabian style (footnotes and bibliography). Examples:

Footnote Format:

Martin Luther, 95 Theses, trans. Adolph Spaeth (Philadelphia: Lutheran Publication Society, 1915), 12.

Bibliography Format:

Luther, Martin. 95 Theses. Translated by Adolph Spaeth. Philadelphia: Lutheran Publication Society, 1915.

Use your History Department Writing Guide for exact formatting. Tools like Zotero or the Turabian Quick Guide online can help.

Step 6: Proofread and Edit

Review grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Watch for common issues: subject-verb agreement, tense shifts, run-ons, fragments
Read your paper aloud or have someone else review it

Step 7: Final Checklist Before Submission

Does the paper meet the word count?
Are there at least 5 academic sources (1 primary)?
Is Turabian citation style used throughout (footnotes + bibliography)?
Is the file format correct (.docx, .pdf, etc.)?
Is the paper uploaded to Canvas before the deadline?

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