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Structuring Historical Research Papers

The document outlines a structured approach to historical writing, emphasizing the importance of formulating a clear argument and gathering relevant source material. It provides a checklist for constructing a strong thesis, supporting evidence, and addressing counter-arguments, while also highlighting the need for organization and clarity in the paper. Additionally, it warns against common pitfalls such as anachronisms and broad generalizations.

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8 views2 pages

Structuring Historical Research Papers

The document outlines a structured approach to historical writing, emphasizing the importance of formulating a clear argument and gathering relevant source material. It provides a checklist for constructing a strong thesis, supporting evidence, and addressing counter-arguments, while also highlighting the need for organization and clarity in the paper. Additionally, it warns against common pitfalls such as anachronisms and broad generalizations.

Uploaded by

ABU FETO
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Historical writing follows a general pattern; by following this structure you will increase the strength of

your research.

1. Formulate your argument; ask questions about your topic to generate an interesting perspective or
argument that could be argued from multiple angles or viewpoints. Some examples of this type of
question might be:

Was slavery the main cause of the American Civil

War?

Was Martin Luther a failure or a success?

2. Gather good source material, both primary and

secondary. Pay attention to your own thoughts and

feelings regarding the subject as you do your preliminary

reading, to help you focus your thesis. Ask yourself:

Where do the arguments seem weak?

How does this information make me react, and

what questions does it leave unanswered?

Are there other conclusions that could be drawn

from this material that are left unstated?

3. Use an "argument checklist":

Have I stated my thesis quickly and concisely,

ideally in the first paragraph?

Have I provided examples as evidence for any and

all assertions I make?

Have I preemptively addressed counter-arguments

and possible sources of contention within my

paper?

4. Check your paper for organization and clarity. Ensure

there are the following elements:

An introduction that includes your thesis and the

main argument that you will make.

A systematic development of that argument that


includes both evidence and your own analysis.

A concise conclusion that ties all your ideas

together.

Complete citations for all the sources you use to

support your arguments and ideas.

5. Avoid the following common pitfalls:

comparing the past to the present, unless

specifically asked to do so

broad generalizations

anachronisms: [definition retrieved

from:[Link]

on 2/22/2016]

anachronism (noun)

something or someone that is not in its correct historical o

time, especially a thing or person that belongs to an earlier

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