description

Introduction to historical methods is the preparation for the capstone course, HIST 499, in the history major. As such, it is an opportunity for class members to concentrate on the steps involved in the process of writing an original, Download
HIST 300 Syllabus PDF
extended research paper in which they synthesize the skills that they have honed during their undergraduate majors. This particular offering of the seminar will focus on the history of the American West; its twin goals are, first, to read a basic text that will introduce the history of the region and suggest ideas for further research and, second, to write an extended, formal essay on a topic relevant to the course topic. Along the way, the class will complete several smaller assignments that will build toward the seminar essay.

This course demands a great deal of its participants, but those who commit themselves will have a sense of accomplishment at its end. The reading assignments should be completed before the date they are due so that you will have time to digest the material thoroughly. The assignments are due on date indicated on the schedule above. Because the discussions depend on all participants’ having completed the reading or done the assignments, participants are encouraged to make virtues of punctuality and readiness to facilitate lively exchange.

This course fulfills all/in part the Writing-Intensive requirement in the history major. It does so through the successive stages, namely the topic statement, a bibliography, and an extended outline; these are due on dates indicated on the syllabus. The Writing Intensive regimen culminates in a 3500-word research paper. The research paper will be completed through a draft/feedback/revision process. The first draft will be due on the date specified on the syllabus. I will provide commentary on the draft and return it to you for revision. The essay in its final form will be due on Thursday, December 10.

books

The following books are required for the course. They are available in the Campus Bookstore or from other vendors far and wide.

These texts, essentially, demonstrate the use the various documents that we will be looking at in class. Read them quickly as examples of what can be done.