The topic: You have considerable choice in topics, which will allow you to focus on your interests in the course (for instance you may be more interested in culture than in business). As you think about the topics, however, you will always want to ask yourself general questions about how this particular topic relates to the general themes of the course. As you see below, these topics are framed as changes, because the essence of history is change over time. So even if you are comparing two things in a particular moment, be conscious of how change complicates the answer.
Some ideas to consider:
Did this changeWhat was the role of race, gender, class, sexuality in these changes?difference or equality?
Did this change liberate Americans or dominate Americans?
Did it make it easier to exert social control (Links to an external site.) or did it undermine control?
Were these changes intended or unintended?
What was the role of the state in these changes?
What was the role of race, gender, class, sexuality in these changes?
Research: No outside research is allowed. Please draw mainly on the books and to a lesser degree on the lectures. Format: 5-7 pages (12 pt font, double spaced, normal margins)
Suggestions: Since no outside research is allowed, start with the readings. The best papers always come from comparing events in the readings not the lectures. The readings are denser and more complex than the lectures. Flip through the books to get some ideas. You can use parts of the books that have not been assigned for the class.
Structure: Specificity is the foundation of great historical writing. Please have a clear thesis statement, solid topic sentences, and clear footnoting. If you are not familiar with history paper structure, read some of the guides below and also talk with the TAs or professor (after reading the guides).
Writing Guides:
For more help on historical writing, see William Story, Writing History (Oxford University Press) which is available in the library.
Or see http://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/strategies-essay-writing (Links to an external site.)