Tips on Choosing a Research Topic

Over the next several sessions, we will concentrate on exploring the possibilities for a senior thesis research topic.  Even before we visit Ramsey Library’s Special Collections, there are several things you can do to prepare:

Step 1:

Begin to think about the time period(s) and subject matter that are of interest to you.  What, over your first few years’ study in history, has excited you the most and made you ask questions that interest you?  It is important that you select a topic that interests you, it will make the research so much more enjoyable. 

If you are having trouble coming up with a general topic, then use a standard survey text, surf the web, or search good secondary sources in history to see what captures your imagination.  If you are at a total loss, or if you are having trouble narrowing down the ideas that appeal to you, then of course you are welcome to discuss your options with me.

Step 2:

Once you have a general idea about a topic, begin to cast about for primary sources pertaining to that general topic.  It is important that you find a significant body of primary sources on the general subject. If you decide on a narrow topic before you are certain you have the sources to work on the topic, then you just might be wasting valuable time.  If you are thinking about a general topic, and if you find a body of primary source material that is readily available and understandable, then it will be easy to narrow your topic and decide on specific historical questions that you want to ask in your research.

There are several places where you can find good leads on primary documents.  If you are interested in a local topic, then Ramsey Special Collections will be a good start.  Tom Biddick has also put together a list of primary documents – bound collections, microforms, etc. – that are available in Ramsey or one of the other ABC libraries.  A link to the “Biddix Resource List” is on the History Department Webpage.  On this same list are links to some of the best online primary document sources as well – please, if you find other cool links, let me know so that I can add them to the list.

Step 3:

If you haven’t already done so, see me to discuss your idea.  AND, BEFORE YOU GO ANY FURTHER, MAKE SURE YOU SPEAK WITH THE FACULTY MEMBER IN THE HISTORY DEPARTMENT WHOSE AREA OF EXPERTISE IS CLOSEST TO THE TOPIC YOU THINK YOU WOULD LIKE TO PURSUE.  THIS STEP IS CRUCIAL TO YOUR SUCCESS.  If you do not know who your “expert” is, there is a list on the History Department website. Or, ask me if your topic does not seem to fit any professor’s specialization.