SM240 – Final Research Paper Assignment
Overview
In place of a traditional final exam, you will complete a formal research paper exploring the historical development of a sport of your choice. The purpose of this assignment is to deepen your understanding of how sports originated, evolved, and shaped (or were shaped by) economic, social, cultural, and political forces in the United States and beyond.
This project challenges you to think critically, evaluate credible sources, and produce an academically rigorous paper reflecting both expert research and your own analytical insights.
Step 1: Choose Your Sport
Select one sport to research.
You may choose any sport, but it must allow you to locate enough historical information to meet assignment expectations.
Examples of strong choices include (but are not limited to):
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Baseball
- Soccer
Choose a sport you are genuinely interested in — research is much easier when the topic matters to you.
Step 2: Conduct High-Quality Research
You must gather credible historical information about your sport, focusing on:
- Origins of the sport
- Key developments and rule changes
- Influential figures or governing bodies
- Social, cultural, and political impact
- Its evolution in the United States
Acceptable Sources
You may use academic databases, books, documentaries, and reliable history websites.
You may NOT use Wikipedia or similar crowd-sourced sites, as they are often inaccurate and unsuitable for academic writing.
Helpful Online Resources
(Students may explore beyond these, but all sources must be credible.)
- History of Sports
- The History of Sports
- SI Vault
- Sports History Archives
What Is a Research Paper?
A research paper requires you to:
- Choose a topic you are curious about but have not fully explored
- Research deeply and critically using credible academic sources
- Form your own perspective supported by evidence
- Integrate ideas from multiple experts, authors, and historians
- Present your findings in a well-organized, academically sound format
This is not a summary — it is an argument-driven, evidence-based paper.
Final Research Paper Requirements
Length & Format
- 4–6 pages of writing (not including title page or works cited)
- MLA format
- 12 pt. Times New Roman font
- Double-spaced
- 1″ margins on all sides
Sources (Required)
Your Works Cited page must include:
- Minimum of 1 book
- Minimum of 5 database/academic sources
(Wikipedia and similar sites are prohibited.)
Content Expectations
Your paper should address the following:
- When and where the sport originated
- How the sport developed and spread
- Economic, political, and cultural influences on its growth
- Important figures, events, or technological changes
- The sport’s impact on American society — or how American society impacted the sport
- How the sport transformed into its modern form
Submission
- Due: March 18th by 11:59 PM (via Canvas)
- Late submissions may be subject to the course late-work policy