Skip to Main Content
Westchester Community College Harold L. Drimmer Library

HIS 129 - Caribbean History - Dr. Christolyn Williams: Thesis Statement (Assignment #1)

How do We Research History?

Jules Benjamin's Definition of Thesis

The Thesis:

1.) Take a stand on an issue

2.) Respect other views

3.) Using evidence, assert your point of view

(Benjamin 138)

Research Question:

Begin with a Topic that attracts interest:

Slave revolts in Jamaica

Focus the question: 

1.) Debatable

2.) Narrow

3.) Significant

4.) Researchable

(Benjamin 138)

During the 18th-century revolts, enslaved persons in Jamaica acted in a systematic, organized way to gain control and secure their land and freedom. Despite European accounts, their knowledge of the landscape contributed to their success during the Revolt at St. Mary's, Westmoreland, and finally Simon's March. 

Structure: 

I. Revolt at St. Mary's

II. Revolt at Westmoreland

III. Simon's March

What is a Thesis Statement?

If your assignment requirements allow you to do so, it may be a good idea to complete preliminary research before you develop a thesis statement.  Preliminary research will indicate if there are resources available to support your thesis statement.

Browse the links below to learn about thesis statements.

What if the difference between a Bibliography and a Works Cited page?

A Bibliography is an alphabetical list of sources that you consulted when you wrote your term project, essay, research paper, or assignment.  The sources that you consulted may have expanded your knowledge of the topic, but you may not have used them beyond that.

In contrast, a Works Cited page is an alphabetical list of sources that you cited, (quoted, summarized, or paraphrased), when you wrote your term project, essay, research paper, or assignment.

The Bibliography page is headed Bibliography and is usually longer; the Works Cited page is headed Works Cited, but the citation formats and page setups are the same.

See the sample Works Cited page belowClick on the Citing Sources tab for help formatting your citations.

Celebrating 75 Years of Excellence!

Westchester Community College provides accessible, high quality and affordable education to meet the needs of our diverse community. We are committed to student success, academic excellence, workforce development, economic development and lifelong learning.

MyWCC
Facebook Facebook Facebook Facebook Facebook

75 Grasslands Road
Valhalla, NY 10595
Tel: (914) 606-6600