HIST 300: Introduction to Historical Method

HIST 300-003: Twentieth-Century U.S. Women’s History: Going to the Archives
(Fall 2011)

01:30 PM to 04:10 PM R

Section Information for Fall 2011

History 300 is not like other history courses. It provides history majors with preparation for History 499 by introducing them to the process of writing an original research paper based on primary sources that students find and analyze for themselves. In this particular section, readings and research will focus on twentieth-century United States women’s history and on the excitement and challenges of finding primary sources in archival collections – which will require spending time at a research center such as GMU’s Special Collections. (Students registering for this section should note that such archives often have limited, daytime and weekday, hours.) In this writing-intensive course, students will complete weekly writing assignments, both on the required reading and on their original research. During the first few weeks of the semester, we will read examples of women’s history scholarship and discuss theoretical and methodological issues raised by them. At the same time, students will complete a series of research assignments, both on and off-campus. Paper topics will emerge out of that research (not the other way around). By the fifth week of the semester, students will have developed a research agenda and will be focusing on their own investigations, placing their research within relevant secondary literature, and writing up their findings. In addition, students will learn to read and comment on each other’s drafts. In the end, students will gain experience with the methods, challenges, and collaboration required of advanced, archival-based, historical scholarship.

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Introduces research skills and methods, as well as historical interpretation, culminating in written and oral presentations. Notes: Topics vary according to instructor. History majors strongly urged to take HIST 300 as soon as possible after reaching 30 credits. Grade of C or better is required to graduate with BA in history. Students may repeat HIST 300 only with permission from the Department of History and Art History and repetitions are limited. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Synthesis
Specialized Designation: Mason Impact., Topic Varies, Writing Intensive in Major
Recommended Prerequisite: History majors with 30 credits or permission of instructor.
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in History.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.