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Welcome
This seminar offers you, the History major, a hands-on, "capstone" experience in conducting your own research, an experience that puts the finishing touches on your major. Over the course of the semester you will produce a 20- to 25-page paper that is based on primary sources and makes an original contribution to historical knowledge. Because of its intensive nature and its centrality to your major, plan to make this seminar the focal point of your semester. If the research topic that you develop is intellectually gripping and challenging, it will be a wonderful experience.
Click the image to go to its source -- the home page of the Center for Railroad Photography and Art, based in Madison, Wisconsin.
Your research topic
Any and all aspects of the history of American railroads are fair game for your research project. You may focus your research on any period in American history and on any aspect of the history of railroads, e.g., on their social aspects, on their political (including military) dimensions, or on economic/technological factors. We will do some common reading on the history of railroads in the first few weeks, but most of your reading will be related to your own research topic. Fair warning: developing a viable and interesting research topic is often the most difficult, time-consuming part of the research process!
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Rhythm of the semester During the first few weeks of the semester, we will develop a common foundation of knowledge of several kinds -- about the history of American railroads, about the nuts-and-bolts of the research process, and about the wealth of research materials available on campus and on the web. Then, as you begin to firm up your paper topics, we will switch modes and the seminar will function like a workshop in which each student presents an aspect of her/his research and develops critical-thinking skills by critiquing the other students' work. |
Participation The success of this seminar - and its value to you - depends critically on your participation (which also counts for 25% of your grade). Faithful attendance is vital, though not sufficient. Preparation is also necessary. Come to seminar prepared to discuss any assigned readings; bring emerging questions about your own project; listen attentively and critically when the other students present their projects. Active and informed discussion will enhance the value of the seminar for all of us. |
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Course materials One book -- Rampolla's A Pocket Guide to Writing in History -- is available for purchase at the University Bookstore and also on reserve at College Library. All of the other assigned readings are available either in online databases, on E-Reserves, or on our Learn@UW site (see the semester schedule for specifics). |
Written work Over the course of the semester, you will produce a series of written assignments, ranging from a one-paragraph statement of your topic to a five-page research proposal to the final paper itself (approx. 20-25 pages). |
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Policies No absences without advance notice (and dire need). No late assignments. A bias-free learning environment. Intellectual honesty (no plagiarism!). If you have questions about any of these policies, please do not hesitate to talk with me. |
Grades Participation counts for 25%. The remaining 75% will be distributed across the written assignments - see the semester schedule for details. |
Office hours Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m., 5109 Humanities, or by appointment - email me. (You may need to enter Humanities on the second floor after 4:30 p.m.) |
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