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Sample Culture Research Paper Outline

This is one example of a culture research paper outline.

Christmas in Mexico

Introduction

Thesis (Purpose Statement): The purpose of this paper is to define what Christmas is, explain how it is celebrated in some parts of Mexico, and describe some typical Christmas foods associated with it.

Body

Paragraph 1

Topic Sentence: Studying the definition of the word "Christmas" can help us understand the background behind this holiday.

Supporting Sentences

  1. Christmas, coming from Old English Cristes maesse or "Christ's mass," is a celebration of the nativity of Jesus Christ.
  2. Celebrations of the winter solstice in the Northern hemisphere have been a time of rejoicing among many ancient cultures.
  3. The reason for celebrating Christmas on December 25th is still unclear.

Paragraph 2

Topic Sentence: Cultural traditions have had an influence on the Christmas celebrations of today in Mexico.

Supporting Sentences

  1. The celebration of the winter solstice in Mexico even proceeded the arrival of the Spanish who brought Christianity with them.
  2. One of the oldest traditional events in Mexico, Las Posadas (meaning "lodgings").
  3. Other non-religious activities are also held during that season including parades and piñatas.

Paragraph 3

Topic Sentence: In addition to Christmas activities, many food dishes are served during this period.

Supporting Sentences

  1. Perhaps the most popular of all Christmas foods in Mexico are tamales.
  2. Other pastries are also eaten as well.

Conclusion

As you can see from my paper, Christmas is an important in the lives of the Mexican people.

References

California Mall. (1999). MEXICO "Feliz Navidad". [Online]. Available: http://www.californiamall.com/holidaytraditions/traditions-mexico.htm (2000, April 16).

The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. (2001). Available: http://www.bartleby.com/65/ch/Christms.html (2001, March 29)

Collins, C. (1999). An introduction to "A Christmas kitchen in Mexico". [Online]. Available: http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/recipes/christmasintro.html (1999, November 1).

Devlin, W. (1999). History of the piñata. [Online]. Available: http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/travel/wdevlin/wdpinatahistory.html (2000, April 16).

Gonzales, Juanita (juanita@compuserve.com.mx). (1998, November 30). Games at Christmas. E-mail to Masako Arai (arai@hotmail.com).

Klebanow, B., & Fischer, S. (1986). American holidays. Brattleboro, VT: Pro Lingua Associates.

Marshall, A. (1999). Christmas In Mexico. [Online]. Available: http://www.nacnet.org/assunta/nacimnto.htm (2000, April 15).

Jasmine, J. (1994). Multicultural holidays. Huntington Beach, CA: Teacher Created Materials.

Palfrey, D. H. (1996). Feliz Navidad - Making merry in Mexico. [Online]. Available: http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/christmas.html (1999, November 3).

Perez, Jose (perez@mexl.com). (1998, December 17). Christmas in my city. E-mail to Masako Arai (arai@hotmail.com).

Perton, Marvin. (1998). Celebrating Christmas in Mexico. [Online]. http://www.mexonline.com/xmas.htm (December 15, 1998).

The Presidency of Mexico (2000). Christmas in Mexico. [Online]. Available: http://world.presidencia.gob.mx/pages/culture/note_christmas.html (2000, April 16).

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