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Research Paper

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Topic For Project

On a single page, write a description of your proposed research topic that explains why it is an interesting topic. Due February 9.

So what makes a good topic? Start by considering the other steps you will need to pass through on this project. In particular, think about the fact that you will need to make an argument in the final paper. Since you are not going to be doing a lot of primary research for this, you will probably end up taking sides in an ongoing argument in the historical literature.

Therefore, to find a topic, you will need to first look for something that historians have written about. Second, you will be looking to see that there is some sort of disagreement in the field. For an idea on how to do that, read The Craft of Research, pp. 40-71.

The book is on reserve.

For your description, first write down (under the heading "Topic:") one sentence that describes your topic; next (under the heading "Problem:") a few sentences that describes the disagreement you have identified in your preliminary research; finally, (under the heading "importance") write a short paragraph explaining why this topic or problem is interesting or important.

When you define the problem, please identify at least two contrasting positions that define the debate in your mind. In your description of the importance of your topic/problem, please mimic the formula found on p. 64 of The Craft of Research.

You will have many chances to do this again later, so do not get too hung up on what you write this first time. Remember to include your name on the sheet you hand in and the current date. The paper should be double-spaced with one-inch margins on all sides.

As you go forward, I will ask you to do this assignment again. Each time you update it, remember to update the date at the top.

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