Seminar Paper
| A
common feature of all history seminars is the seminar paper.
The department explicitly aims to graduate students who are able
to complete, "independent research on historical questions
and successfully mount an argument based on that research."
We further ask that this ability, "be demonstrated in a
seminar paper of substantial length in which the student takes
a discernible position on an historical question and supports
that position with relevant evidence." For this seminar
you are being asked to use historical primary sources related
to US-Latin American affairs to write a substantive, analytical
paper. For purposes of the class I have set down particular steps
that all students in the class must take as they work on their
papers. I have assigned The Craft of Research in order
to provide you guidance as you set about your task. |
| Stage
1: Choose a paper topic.
I want you to write a research paper about a specific topic in
the history of US-Latin American relations. Try to find a topic
that accords with your interests. Also consider what you will
be asked to do in stages 2 through 6. In particular, focus on
finding appropriate primary sources that can serve as the basis
for an analytical paper. If you don't know where to start looking,
come see me as soon as possible. In terms of concrete
work for this stage, you only have to do one thing: write a paper
that describes your topic and explains why you are interested
in it. Due February 22. See the
assignment sheet. |
| Stage 2:
Primary Source Description.
Describe the collection of
primary sources that you will be working on.
Explain how the collection sheds light on the important analytical
questions you have identified. Your paper should be 2-3 pages
in length and should be accompanied by a title page. It is due
March 15. See the assignment
sheet for more details. |
| Stage 3:
Project Presentations. Prepare
a presentation that explains your project to the class. You will
need to summarize the debate you identified in the secondary
literature and what your primary sources tell you about that
debate. For purposes of the presentation, you will need to prepare
a one-page handout for the class. The handout is due in my office
15 minutes before your scheduled presentation so I can make copies
for everyone. See the
assignment sheet for more details. |
| Stage 4:
Argument. In a
single page, summarize your argument. What is your main claim
and how can you support your claim. It is due the evening before
your assigned discussion date. I will need a hard copy under
my office door or in my hand by 7 pm. See the
assignment sheet for more details. |
| Stage 5:
Introduction. Write
a clear introduction for your paper. See the
assignment sheet for more details. Your introduction should
be accompanied by a title page. It is due the evening before
your assigned discussion date. I will need a hard copy under
my office door or in my hand by 7 pm. |
| Stage 6:
Final Draft. This
is almost self explanatory, but read the
assignment sheet for details. Your final version is due on
May 10th. |