GRADUATE RESEARCH SEMINAR
History 596
Spring 2006
6:00-8:30
Dr. Nathan Brooks
Office: 240 Breland
Telephone: 646-1824
Office Hours: T: 4:00-6:00
W: 4:00-6:00; and by appointment
e-mail: nbrooks@nmsu.edu
COURSE OBJECTIVES: This course is a seminar designed to help you gain a more extensive knowledge of historical research methods and how to use this knowledge to write a research paper in history. The main goal of the seminar is to produce a polished 20-25 page article or chapter in each student’s chosen field of research by the end of the course. During the semester, we will consider a variety of topics related to these objectives, such as: how do historians do their research? How do historians find and analyze primary sources? How do historians relate their primary research to the existing historiography of the topic? How do historians establish their research topics and figure out what questions they want to answer? These and other topics will be discussed in class together with visiting faculty members throughout the semester. There will also be separate sessions on locating and using library and archival materials for your research. A substantial focus of the class will be on the actual process of writing itself. How can historians make their writing clear and understandable to other readers? What styles do historians employ in their writing? How can you improve your writing by revising and rewriting?
Graduate students who have opted to write a thesis are encouraged to use this research seminar as an opportunity to engage in some of the research and writing of their theses. Public history students should use the seminar to conduct background research that will support their interests in the field of public history. All students may have as their goal the preparation of an article for publication.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
1). RESEARCH PAPER: The papers for this course will be at least 20 pages in length (typed on a word processor, double-spaced, one inch margins all around, font size no larger than 12). The papers will be evaluated based on the quality of writing, use of appropriate mechanics (i.e., spelling, grammar, bibliography, notes, etc.), adequacy and use of sources, critical analysis, etc. The papers should be prepared using the Chicago style (see Rampolla for details). Please put the footnotes at the bottom of the page! No late papers (both first and final drafts) will be accepted without prior approval of the instructor. A first draft will be required as well as a final draft. A substantial portion of your grade for the course will depend upon the first draft. Therefore, it is essential that you make every effort to write as polished paper as possible for the first draft. In addition, the final version should do more than simply incorporate the suggestions of the instructor. Along with the final version of the paper, you will need to submit a one-page statement discussing the revisions you made for the final version. Also, the bibliography in the final version needs to be annotated, discussing the use of the sources in your paper. Finally, you will be required to submit your notes and other materials along with the final version of your paper. The number of sources used for the paper will depend upon the topic
2). CLASS PARTICIPATION, ATTENDANCE, AND PROGRESS REPORTS: It is very important that each student attend every class that is scheduled and participate actively in the discussion of the material. For each class missed without an approved excuse, 50 points will be deducted.
The progress reports are intended to give the instructor an idea of how you are dealing with your subject. Each student should send the instructor a brief e-mail each week discussing the progress made during the past week in the course. We will also discuss your progress each week during class in order for the other students to learn what you are doing.
3). PRESENTATIONS: Near the end of the semester, each student will present the results of his or her research to an audience of other students, faculty members, and possibly members of the community. Further information about these presentations will be discussed in class.
No extra credit work will be accepted.
ACADEMIC AND NON-ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT: Cheating in all forms is prohibited in this course. Students must be especially aware of plagiarism on written work. Use your own words! If there are any questions concerning the use of sources, please contact the instructor or the graduate assistant. Cheating on tests also is prohibited. You will fail this course if you are caught cheating!
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you have or believe you have a disability and would benefit from any accommodations, you may wish to self-identify by contacting the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Office located in 244 Corbett Center (phone: 646-6840). If you have already registered, please make sure that your instructor receives a copy of the accommodation memorandum from SSD within the first two weeks of classes. It is your responsibility to inform either your instructor or SSD representative in a timely manner if services/accommodations provided are not meeting your needs.
If you have a condition which may affect your ability to exit safely from the premises in an emergency or which may cause an emergency during class, you are encouraged to discuss any concerns with the instructor and/or Mr. Michael Armendariz, SSD Coordinator. Feel free to call Mr. Paul Gayle-Smiths (EEO/ADA and Employee Relations Director) at 646-3333 with any questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and/or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. All medical information will be treated confidentially.
GRADING:
paper -- first draft 350 points
paper -- final draft 350 points
paper components and other exercises 100 points
class participation, progress reports 100 points
presentations 100 points
total 1000 points
Research proposal = minimum 1 page, typed double-spaced.
Sample footnotes and annotated bibliography = minimum 2 page, typed double-spaced
Outline of paper = minimum 1 page, typed double-spaced
EVALUATION STANDARDS FOR RESEARCH PAPER:
1. Content and Organization
2. Quality of Prose
3. Adequacy and Style of Documentation (primary sources essential!)
4. Analysis and Interpretation
5. Care and Accuracy of Preparation
REQUIRED COURSE READING:
Mary Lynn Rampolla, A Pocket Guide to Writing in History. Fourth Edition (2004).
SCHEDULE OF TOPICS AND ASSIGNMENTS
WEEK 1 Introduction. Survey of participants
January 24
WEEK 2 Identifying viable topics and sources. Archive visit.
January 31 Meet at Branson Library. Second floor.
WEEK 3 Identifying viable topics and sources. Molly Molloy.
February 7 Meet at Electronic Classroom, Zuhl Library.
WEEK 4 Finding primary and secondary sources.
February 14 Guest: Bill Eamon
PAPER PROPOSAL DUE
WEEK 5 No class
February 21
WEEK 6 Developing a historiographical context.
February 28 Guest: Liz Horodowich
WEEK 7 Organizing research materials and getting started writing.
March 7 Guest: Marsha Weisiger
ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY AND FOOTNOTE
EXERCISE DUE
WEEK 8 Writing strategies.
March 14 Guest: Ken Hammond
ONE-PAGE OUTLINE OF PAPER DUE
Each student should bring in one paragraph from their
paper for in-class exercise
SPRING BREAK
WEEK 9 No class
March 28
WEEK 10 No class
April 4
WEEK 11 Revising and rewriting.
April 11 Guest:
Each student should bring in either the introduction or
conclusion to their paper for an in-class writing exercise
FIRST DRAFT DUE IN CLASS APRIL 11
WEEK 12 NO CLASS: individual conferences
April 18
WEEK 13 NO CLASS: individual conferences
April 25
WEEK 14 Final presentations.
May 2
WEEK 15 Final presentations.
May 9
FINAL DRAFT DUE WEDNESDAY MAY 10 AT 5:00.