First Draft Guidelines

Purpose

Learn citation mechanics and how to work with sources.

Requirements

Submission: Submit as PDF via Brightspace

Length: 500 words on your paper topic (bibliography doesn't count)

Citations: 3 verified citations (see definition below)

• At least 2 must cite peer-reviewed articles (may be from same article)
• Format: [#, p. XX] where # = bibliography entry number
• Cite any fact not common knowledge to a Stony Brook sophomore

Bibliography: Numbered entries with links

• At least one peer-reviewed article
• At least one book
• One primary source (possibly a translation)

What is a Verified Citation?

Each citation must include:

1. Screenshot of passage with page number visible and relevant content highlighted
2. Link (online sources) OR photo of title page (books)
3. 1-2 sentences explaining how it supports your claim

Important: Each citation needs its own screenshot, even if citing the same source multiple times.

Guidelines

• Use your own words. Show you're reading the sources.
• Polish doesn't matter. Focus on mechanics, not perfection.
• Follow the AI policy. AI use must be acknowledged.
• This assignment is about reading and citing real sources.

Example

Draft excerpt:

Archaeological evidence suggests numerical notation may be ancient. A Neanderthal-carved hyena bone found at Les Pradelles bears nine parallel notches that appear functional rather than decorative [1, p. 22]. Archaeologist Francesco d'Errico argues these marks might encode numerical information, meaning Neanderthals could have developed notation systems independently [1, p. 22].

Bibliography:

1. Barras, Colin. "How Did Ancient Humans Learn to Count?" Nature 594 (2021): 22-25. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01429-6

Documentation for [1, p. 22]:

• Screenshot: [Shows: "Some 60,000 years ago... the bone bore nine notches... as if they were meant to signify something"]
• Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01429-6
• Connection: This provides the earliest known example of possible numerical notation, establishing that counting systems may predate modern humans.

Grading Rubric

Total: 24 points (8 points per citation)

Criteria	Points
Screenshot provided	/2
Citation matches screenshot	/2
Page number correct	/1
Connection explained clearly	/3