History 294
Spring 2006
Archive Report assignment
Due in class Monday, November 6.
Using your worksheets from the Yale workshop on October 27, write a short essay on this topic:
Do you think that traveling to an archive and viewing the actual documents in person (rather than viewing digitized or published versions) makes an important different for a history researcher, or not? Use specific examples from your worksheets to support your argument.
--Minimum length: two (2) full pages, typed, double-spaced.
--Completion of this assignment will result in an addition to the participation grade of 5 points or less.
--If you didn’t attend the Yale workshop, you may visit a similar archive, fill out the worksheet for 3 different documents (see worksheet file on Vista web site), and turn in the essay before the end of the semester. However, extensions won’t be given on other class assignments.
*** Prospectus Sources Report
Due in class Wednesday, November 15; maximum 50 points (10% of course grade).
In at least two (2) full pages, typed and double-spaced (it probably should be longer), report on the following: --The latest description of your topic; --A full citation*, followed by a brief evaluation of its specific helpfulness to you, of a good example of each of the following kinds of sources on your topic: --an article or other kind of entry from the Haas Reference section; --a book from the Haas stacks or another CSU library; --a Web site; AND --a primary or secondary article (not a book review or other item) from J-STOR or Academic Search Premier (online at WCSU Library databases).
The paper may be in report format or a single uninterrupted essay. Graded on quality of sources, proofreading, and substance of the writing. Penalties for 24- & 48-hour lateness.
For citations, please try to use the formats found in Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations or The Chicago Manual of Syle.
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History 294
Fall 2006 Prospectus Paper Assignment
Due in my mailbox 4pm, Monday, December 18. Max. 150 pts. (30% of course grade).
Minimum length: seven (7) full typed, double-spaced pages (not including bibliography).
This paper is a simulated start to a larger history research project (perhaps to your actual History 490 project). It should reflect what you’ve learned in this class about choice of topics, library and online sources, research strategies, and organization and writing.
In the text of this paper, present the following in clearly marked sections:
–Your topic. Define and describe it, as well as its scope and boundaries. Explain your interest in it and how and why your paper will shed new light on the topic. **Please turn in a description of your topic (one paragraph) on Wednesday, Nov. 8.
–Research plan. Describe your sources (mention titles and authors, but give full citations only in your bibliography). Explain what your most important sources are, and why. At least one must be a substantial primary source. Describe other sources as well.
–Basic outline. Provide a compact (1 full page maximum) outline showing the likely organization of the eventual research paper. Formal or informal outline formats are OK, but don’t just write an unstructured list. Attach explanations or comments if desired.
–Writing sample. Present a sample of writing, 2 ½ pages minimum, from the body (not the intro) of the prospective paper. Provide footnotes or endnotes. (Hint: write up a part of your outline that most interests you and/or is covered most fully by your sources.)
–Bibliography. In accordance with models found in Kate Turabian’s A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations or The Chicago Manual of Style, list your citations. Your bibliography should include at least six strong sources, at least one of which must be a primary source. **Please turn in a progress report and brief biblio (3-4 sources) on Monday, Nov. 20.
** –Grammar, punctuation, and spelling must be correct. Take the time to proofread. –The strongest papers will complete the assignment directly and comprehensively. –Avoid plagiarism.
–Since this is the end of the semester, no late papers will be accepted without a documented medical or other personal excuse.
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WCSU - Spring 2006 WH 214, MWF 11-11:50am
History 490
Senior Seminar
Dr. Burton Peretti Office: 221 Warner Hall, (203) 837-8309/msg Mailbox: 224 WA Hours: MWF 10-10:50am, MW 1-1:50pm, and by appointment E-mail: erettib@wcsu.ctstateu.edu when we don’t meet as a class)
Goals: Exploration of the techniques of historical research, development of a topic, and proper writing methods in history, and completion of a bibliography, outline, first draft, and final draft
Books: Mary Lynn Rampolla, A Pocket Guide to Writing in History, 4th ed. Diana Hacker, A Pocket Style Manual, 4th ed.
Assignments: 1. Description of research interests and possible topics (due in class February 6): 1-2 pages, to be read aloud, discussed in class, and submitted 2. Examination of a history journal article (due February 13): 2-4 pages, typed, examining a scholarly article related to your interests (from Journal of American History, American Historical Review or a similar history journal, either from Haas Library stacks or J-STOR online): –Who is the author? What background to the article, if any, is given? –What is the topic of the article? What is the thesis? –How does the article say it will build on previous writing on the topic? –What sources were used? Where and when was the research done? –How is it organized? –Pick one substantial paragraph. How do you think the author put it together? –Does the article prove its thesis to you? Why or why not? 3. Topic description (due February 22): 1-2 pages, briefly setting the boundaries of your topic, describing the topic, previous scholarship, and the sources you will use 4. Initial bibliography (due February 27): minimum of ten sources, four of which must be primary sources 5. Outline (due March 13): 1-2 pages giving a somewhat detailed prospective outline 6. First draft (minimum 15 full pages of text): due in class, Wednesday, April 19 note: groups of four students will critique their first drafts, ca. April 20-26 7. Final paper (minimum 20 full pages of text): due by 4pm, Monday, May 15, in my office or mailbox –Each draft must have a title page, pagination, footnotes or endnotes, and bibliography
**All assignments must be typed, and all except #4 and #5 must be double-spaced.
Participation: Attendance will be taken at all scheduled meetings. Missing at least two class meetings will probably cause a decline in your participation grade. Be prepared for each meeting.
Honor code–Do your own work and no one else's at all times, or face an “F” and suspension.
Grading: Participation: 1/3 of course grade (includes attendance + spoken contributions) Final paper: 2/3 of course grade. (The other assignments lead up to final paper)
Schedule:
Date Topic of class Assignment due in class that week 1/23, 25, 27 Introduction; your interests; tour library read Rampolla to p. 67 for 1/29 class
1/30, 2/1, 3 discuss Rampolla, your interests, etc. 2/6, 8, 10 possible topics; J-STOR; scholarship 2/6: Description of interests 2/13, 15 discuss article examinations, topics 2/13: Journal article examination (Friday, 2/17 and Monday, 2/20 - no class - President’s Day holiday) 2/22, 24 discuss topics, bibliographies (bring class books) 2/22: Topic description
2/27, 3/1 discuss bibliographies; the weeks ahead 2/28: Initial bibliography (no class on March 3, or on any more Fridays) 3/6, 8 outlining your paper 3/13, 15 read, discuss outlines; troubleshooting 3/13: Outline (Spring Break - no class 3/20-24) M 3/27 writing the first draft W 3/29 no class
M 4/3 writing the first draft ; W 4/5 no class M 4/10 writing the first draft; set up draft groups ; W 4/12 no class M 4/17 brief meeting before submitting first drafts W 4/19 turn in and exchange first drafts First paper draft (multiple 4/20-4/26 first draft discussion meetings (to be scheduled) copies) 4/24-28 no classes
M 5/1 final paper troubleshooting ; W 5/3 no class M 5/8 last meeting ; W 5/10 no class
Monday, May 15 - Final paper due by 4pm in my office or mailbox