Course Description
Introduction to research methods in history. Topics include: analyzing varieties of primary and secondary source materials; designing a project focus; finding and evaluating appropriate sources; citation methods; historiography. Prerequisite: History major or minor and completion of all 200-level requirements for the major.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
Historical Comprehension: analyze historical duration, succession, and change in terms of human agency and larger systems or structures [Oral History Analysis, Annotated Bibliography, Research Proposal, Oral Presentation, and Final Paper]
Students will appreciate what history is and understand the practice as dependent on human experiences as they change over time
Students will be able to explain basic historical research methods and practices, pointing to specific historical examples within the field of U.S. working-class history
Historical Analysis: use historical thinking to contextualize and analyze primary and secondary sources representing different points of view [Oral History Analysis, Annotated Bibliography, Oral Presentation, and Final Paper]
Students will learn how to identify, analyze, and assess the arguments of both primary and secondary sources
Students will appreciate how identity indicators such as class, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, and citizenship status influence the human experience
Historical Research: conduct original research by investigating and interpreting primary and secondary sources [Research Proposal, Oral Presentation, and Final Paper]
Students will critically analyze secondary sources, understanding how historical arguments are constructed through primary sources and analysis
Historical Interpretation: use evidence-based reasoning to interpret the past coherently while developing and presenting an original argument, orally and in writing [Oral History Analysis, Research Proposal, Oral Presentation, and Final Paper]
Students will communicate analytical ideas effectively, in both discussion and in writing
Students will write with clearer prose and more concision
CIC College Writing Student Learning Outcomes
Analyze written texts to understand how they relate to particular audiences, purposes, and contexts as a way to inform one’s own writing
Create and revise written texts for particular audiences, purposes, and contexts
Through oral or written reflection demonstrate awareness of one’s writing choices as well as how one’s own writing contributes to ongoing conversations in the relevant discipline
Course Grading Information:
Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
Journal Entries | 30% |
Oral History Analysis | 10% |
Annotated Bibliography | 10% |
Research Proposal | 15% |
Oral Presentation | 10% |
Final Research Paper | 25% |
Grading Scale:
Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
93-100% | A |
90-92% | A- |
87-89% | B+ |
83-86% | B |
80-82% | B- |
77-79% | C+ |
73-76% | C |
70-72% | C- |
63-69% | D |
0-63% | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Student participation will be gauged through frequent journal entries which counts as 30% of the course final grade.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
No course materials are required.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.