I. Research writing project calendar and due dates:
Weeks 10-16: Schedule
research presentations.
Week 10: Independent
Research Topic proposal due at end of week, Friday, 10/25/2013 (for period
1) and 10/30/2013 (for period 3&5).
Week 11: Overview of
historiography due on Thursday, 11/7/2013.
Week 13: First Draft of
Independent Research Paper, due
by Wednesday, 11/20/2013.
Week 16: Final Draft of Independent
Research Paper, due by Friday, 12/13/2013.
II. Assignment Descriptions:
Research Topic Proposals: Propose a topic for independent research paper and
presentation in a compact paragraph (4-5 sentences typed), provide a
preliminary overview of the historiography on this topic (analysis of the
historiography), state a preliminary thesis argument if possible, explain what
you aim to show through your research, comment on why you think your research
is important to the study of world history, and include a working bibliography
(MLA format) with two separately identified lists of primary and secondary
sources (at least two each). In preparation for this proposal, begin to
research primary and secondary source materials on your topic; use available
resources in the library collection, as well as the library access to online
resources, e.g., JSTOR and the Gale Reference Collection; see instructor, as
well as talk to the librarians and other teachers who may be specialists in
your area of interest for additional help.
Overview of historiography and set-up of argument. Provide an overview of what historians or other scholars
have written about this topic before, and clearly explain how your argument
builds on, challenges or synthesizes what has been argued before (2-3 paragraphs).
-
Discuss any typical or conventional arguments that scholars have made to answer
this question, e.g (for example), the conventional arguments that Reed mentions
for how to explain the rise of European colonialism, or that Bush presents to
explain the effects of European colonialism.
-
Note any limits or problems in these scholars’ arguments, use of evidence, etc.
-
Pay attention to any possible counter-arguments, more recent research (for example from Charles Mann's 1493) and what
still needs to be done, like synthesizing the research and arguments already
out there, resurrecting or testing an older argument, or introducing new
primary sources, and thereby new interpretations and alternative explanations.
- Finish by outlining and explaining what you plan to argue and show in the rest of your essay, e.g., how your research builds on existing arguments, OR the need for a synthesis that brings together all of the older and more recent research and arguments to put together a fuller explanation of the problem, OR an antithesis that uses more recent research and your own efforts to refute a standing argument.
- Finish by outlining and explaining what you plan to argue and show in the rest of your essay, e.g., how your research builds on existing arguments, OR the need for a synthesis that brings together all of the older and more recent research and arguments to put together a fuller explanation of the problem, OR an antithesis that uses more recent research and your own efforts to refute a standing argument.
Independent Research Papers: 1. For
the rough draft, write at least 3-5 pages (4-5 on the final draft) on your
research topic. The draft should include an introduction that presents the
topic to the reader (assume your reader knows nothing!), and your thesis, i.e., the argument you want to
make based on your research (review
dialectical argument, i.e., thesis, antithesis, synthesis). The second
paragraph should provide an overview of
the historiography, i.e., what experts on your topic in the secondary
sources have already done on this topic, i.e., what they have argued based on
their research, then what might still need to be done on your topic, e.g.,
rebut an argument, offer a new interpretation of available materials on a given
topic, synthesize available research to compile a more comprehensive
understanding of your topic, offer a new interpretation of available primary
sources, and/or make use of new primary sources to revise our understanding of
your topic, and outline what you aim to demonstrate in the body paragraphs that
follow (this should also provide the basis for your thesis, i.e., the argument
you want to make. Body paragraphs
should focus on key points you want to make in order to build your argument;
these body paragraphs should have a clear topic sentence that makes a sharp
point and should also make use of primary and secondary forms of evidence to
support those points. Conclusion
paragraphs should sum up your research and reiterate the significance of your
findings in relationship to the scholarship.
Presentations: Prepare an 8-10 minute
presentation based on your research for class. Presentations should include a
discussion of how you developed your research, why you are interested in this
topic, a summary assessment of the scholarship, i.e., an overview of the
secondary sources, what has been done, what needs to be done, and what you aim to
demonstrate through your research, and make effective use of at least one
primary sources in support of your thesis. Consider use of handouts, materials
objects, music, video, a brief PowerPoint or Prezi presentation, etc. Choose a
week to present and discuss with the instructor.
FINAL PRODUCTS:
1. Independent research paper draft (required); 100 points.
2. Independent research paper final draft (required); 200 points.
3. Independent research presentation (required); 100 points.
EXTRA CREDIT (10 points each):
1. Archival copies:
A. Book reviews.
B. Independent research papers.
C. Powerpoint/Prezi presentations and presentation handouts.
*** Submit final revised copies, both digital and paper copies, as well as for the course archive.
2. Primary source collections: Submit digital/paper copies of primary source collections for the course archive; provide librarians with internet links to vetted archival collections.
3. Secondary source collections: Work with librarians to develop historiographical collections in the library and online.
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