HSTRY 597 A: History Research Seminar

Spring 2026
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Meeting:
W 1:30pm - 3:20pm
SLN:
15147
Section Type:
Seminar
THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF HSTRY 596 TAUGHT IN WIN 2026. ADD CODE REQUIRED. ADD CODES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE HISTORY GRADUATE OFFICE. REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO GRADUATE STUDENTS ONLY. NON-HISTORY GRADUATE STUDENTS MUST HAVE THE PERMISSION OF THE FACULTY INSTRUCTOR TO REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE. UNDERGRADUATES AND AUDITORS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER FOR HISTORY GRADUATE COURSES.
Syllabus Description (from Canvas):

A collage of images representing different places, eras, and personnages.


Professor office hours: Tuesday 12:20-1 pm

The purpose of this two-quarter seminar is to guide you through the entire research cycle, from the elaboration of a research idea to the completion of a significant and substantial piece of historical analysis. The seminar facilitates this process by breaking it down into smaller, intermediate steps: identifying a suitable topic, establishing the feasibility of the topic by locating relevant sources, developing a formal research proposal, and writing up research in sections that form the building blocks of the final work. Along the way, we will read and discuss exemplary work, explore techniques and technologies, share work in progress, and encourage one another. The seminar culminates in a conference-style presentation and the submission of the seminar paper itself.

Evaluation:

This is a two quarter seminar, but Canvas only thinks in terms of single quarters. That makes it impossible for me to set out how your work will be evaluated by weighting assignments. Instead, let me offer the following. 

Your grade in HSTRY 596-7 is cumulative, that is, based on work completed over both quarters. The most important element in your grade is your essay - an article length piece of work (10,000-12,000 words, including footnotes). It should represent your best work. It should be artfully-crafted, with a clear argument grounded in an array of primary and secondary sources. The grade for your essay is determined in consultation with your faculty mentor. That said, significant weight is also given to work along the way. Be sure to attend class sessions, participate in discussion, and complete intermediate assignments including the proposal, prospectus, outline, drafts, and in-class presentation.

Discussion Participation          10%

Intermediate Assignments       15%

Essay                                          75%

Catalog Description:
Advanced historical research seminar. Second in a series of two.
Credits:
5.0
Status:
Active
Last updated:
April 9, 2026 - 7:42 pm