1. Getting Started

First Things First - Assignment Requirements

Before you begin work on any research paper, examine the assignment closely for any requirements.

Q. How long is the paper?

This could be a page length, a page range, a word count, etc. such as, 5 pages. Make sure to check your assignment.

Q. How many sources?

How many total sources does your instructor ask for; are they all outside sources or does your textbook count as one of your sources?

Q. What kind of sources?

Does your instructor specify certain types of sources? Are there other requirements such as how current/old the sources can be, or where the source should come from - the library, a database, a book/ebook, a peer-reviewed journals, etc.?

Q. How do you cite sources?

Most instructors will ask you to use MLA format for your citations, but double-check to make sure. You may want to remind yourself what information you need to create the MLA Works Cited page and in-text citations.

Q. What is due?

Is this just a paper? Are there other pieces like a rough draft, outline, etc. Make note of all the parts of the assignment and create a checklist to make sure you don't leave anything out.

Q. When is it due?

How long do you have to work on this paper? Plan out your time, so you don't get stuck doing all the work at the last minute. Plan extra time in case you have problems or get stuck.

Q. What other requirements should you make note of?

Are there requirements to include a certain number of quotes or paraphrases? Make sure you note how many specific similarities and differences you need to discuss in your paper. Remember to note any other requirements on the assignment sheet, and ask your instructor for clarification on any parts you're not sure about.

Selecting a Topic

The first thing you need to do before you begin a research paper is to select a topic that you're going to write about.

You have a choice of these 5 topics or picking your own:

1. Pick a Judge from the book of Judges, explain the potential theological significance of that Judge giving consideration to judge's original context, the potential historical context of the author, whether early or late, and the current theological significance for modern readers of the Jewish and/or Christian persuasion.

2. Research the different potential narrative theories concerning Song of Songs. Who are the main characters? Who do they represent? Is the text appropriate as a religious text. The arguments for and against Solomonic authorship.

3. Research the theological difficultly of Hosea's context. (Why would God have him marry a prostitute and call him to suffering.) Discuss the various viewpoints and draw your own conclusion.

4. Pick a prophecy from one of the minor prophets and discuss it's theological importance. Discuss authorship and dating and the theological importance of that prophecy being fulfilled. Draw your own conclusions on how/if that prophecy was fulfilled.

5. Research one of the kings from the Northern or Southern Kingdom. Cross reference their reign from Kings and Chronicles. What was their historical context, what did they accomplish, what major events happened in the kingdoms surrounding them. Was their a Biblical prophet prophesying during their reign? What was their message?

6. Or a prompt of your own making from one of the other texts of the Tanach (Old Testament) or modifying one of the exisiting prompts for a different prespective. (you would want your instructor to sign off on your topic)

Q. Do you have an interest in any of these? Can you think of something that would interest you more? You are usually able to research and write a better paper if you can pick a topic that holds some interest to you.