Researching Like a Historian: Fall Semester

Assignment:

Objectives:

Student will be developing the following:

1. Historiographical presentation where they will allow them to view (and share) a historical event or issue from multiple perspectives by engaging multiple sources. It will also allow them to display their mastery over analysis of sources and understanding of events/ issues. They will also be developing their critical reading skills as they seek to answer ‘why’ their chosen sources agree/disagree and what those source driven opinions tell us about events/issues and the very nature of history itself.
2. Complete a journal article review/analysis of a source that will be utilized in their presentation.

Requirements:

• Topics must fall within the timeframe of 1607-1877 (End of Reconstruction).
• Students will be required to utilize the works of at least 6 historians in their (10-15 minute) presentation.
• Students will be required to complete an article review of one of their sources that will be utilized in the presentation.

Library:

• Establish project in Noodletools. Students will be going through every aspect of the research process as if they were writing the historiography. They will still be required to develop a thesis, do an annotated bibliography, and complete a bibliography of their sources used.
• They will need to confirm the sources they already choose or chose from new options introduced to them during their library visit.
• Understand how to access reference sources to build their foundational knowledge of the topic area that they choose to write about.

Assignment: The final paper will be a seven-page research essay with Chicago style with footnotes. Students will use NoodleTools to document all sources. A minimum of seven sources are required: four primary sources and three secondary sources. Students will analyze and explain racial tensions, issues, and legislation prior to the civil war. Their paper will look into the events that eventually caused the civil war. They will do this while analyzing racial issues in both the north and south, from the perspective of the government and society as a whole. 

Annotated Bibliography Samples:

The following are examples of an Annotated Bibliography from a ENGL 1301 class. Sometimes, it's great to see what an annotated bibliography looks like before starting your own. Feel free to check them out.

Please note that the requirements for this samples may differ from what your teacher is asking you. Please make sure to follow up with your teachers/professor on their specific requirements. 

Citation Guides: