HIST 797: Research Seminar in History

HIST 797-002: War and Society
(Fall 2019)

07:20 PM to 10:00 PM R

Music Theater Building 1008

Section Information for Fall 2019

HIST 797 is the required research seminar for graduate students. The goals of the course are to produce an article-length research paper that makes an original contribution to knowledge; to present research to the class; and to assist other students in their work. Students are bounded by the topic “war and society,” but may pursue research in any time period of human history and in any geographic location on planet Earth. However, students should bear in mind limitations on the availability of sources and the instructor’s limitations (I am a 20th century US historian.) HIST 797 has one central requirement: a research paper of 8,000-10,000 words (plus citation) based on original research in primary sources on a topic of the student’s choosing that makes an original contribution to knowledge. There are a number of preliminary requirements along the way, but the writing and presentation of the final essay is the point of the course. It is through this essay that students will demonstrate the ability to:

  1. Select a research topic.
  2. Frame a research question.
  3. Conduct research in relevant primary & secondary sources that (may) span a variety of disciplines.
  4. Evaluate the quality, credibility, and limitations of the arguments presented by scholars working on similar topics.
  5. Situate findings within the scholarly literature of the topic.
  6. Craft an historical argument that is appropriately supported by the evidence compiled through the research.
  7. Connect issues in the topic to larger intellectual or social concerns; that is, to appreciate and convey the broadest significance of the findings.
  8. Effectively communicate  research findings orally and in writing.

Students are encouraged to consider their research topics prior to the start of the term, including preliminary investigation of primary and secondary sources. Feel free to reach out to the instructor in the month prior to the start of the semester to touch base about your ideas. However, students are not required to consider their topics in advance, as the 3 credits awarded for this course assume that the entire project can be conceived and executed within the confines of the semester.

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Research in specialized topics using primary sources. May be repeated for credit when topic is different, or with same topic with permission of the department. Equivalent to HIST 711.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: HIST 610 or permission of department.
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Cultural Studies, Education (Community College) or History.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lec/Sem #1, Lec/Sem #2, Lec/Sem #3, Lec/Sem #4, Lec/Sem #5, Lec/Sem #6, Lec/Sem #7, Lec/Sem #8, Lec/Sem #9, Sem/Lec #10, Sem/Lec #11, Sem/Lec #12, Sem/Lec #13, Sem/Lec #14, Sem/Lec #15, Sem/Lec #16, Sem/Lec #17, Sem/Lec #18, Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate 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.