Most people do not know what history is.  Partly, this is because history is a complex discipline.  Mostly, it is because people are only familiar with one or two of the elements which make up history.  In our courses we attempt to teach you about history by requiring you to "do" history and become at least a "junior historian."

Reading, writing, thinking reflectively, making sense out of vast amounts of information, often of a contradictory nature; explaining, entertaining, inspiring, these are all skills of the historian - but should they be so confined?

The historian reconstructs the past by:

• asking questions
• researching sources, both primary and secondary
• developing theses 
• testing those theses against available evidence and common sense
• writing clearly and convincingly
• using imagination and empathy to understand

Not just "who", "when", "where" or even "how" but "Why?" and "So What?"  

One of the better sources for thoughts about the craft of the historian can by reached by clicking here

A very good source on how to plan and schedule your research/writing project may be found by clicking here

Marking sheet for Research Papers: - click here (pdf) 
[Tip: print the sheet and use it to "mark" your draft paper.]

Sample paper with Annotated Bibliography - click here (pdf)
[Note: Copyrighted material, used with permission of the author.]