HIST 30
Workshop in Independent Research Winter 2024

This course is designed for junior majors and sophomores who are considering pursuing a senior thesis in History. It can either provide students greater experience in independent research or allow for an in-depth exploration of a specific topic under consideration for the thesis. The course will focus on key methods of historical research, such as defining a topic, familiarizing oneself with historiography, and finding and using primary sources. Students may pursue any topic, and assignments may be modified to fit students’ particular needs and interests. The majority of class time will consist of individual meetings with the professor as well as consultations with librarians and other experts in your field. Students are expected to devote considerable time outside of class to independent research. The final assignment will be a 10-page paper, which can either be a detailed prospectus for a senior thesis or a research paper.