HIST 5797: Topics in Honors Historiography and Methodology

University of North Carolina, Charlotte

This course is open�only to students pursuing both undergraduate honors and an Early Entry Master's degree. It is the first course in a required two-course sequence for Honors in History, and it substitutes for HIST 4797.� It prepares students for the research and writing of an honors thesis by providing training in historiography, research methods, source development, and writing. During the course, students meet separately with their thesis advisor to craft their prospectus.� Students must achieve a grade of A, or a grade of B with permission of instructor, to be able to take the next course in the sequence, HIST 4799 or HIST 5799.� Students must achieve a grade of C to satisfy major requirements. Section information text: This is the first course in a required two-course sequence for Honors in History. It prepares you for the research and writing of an honors thesis by providing training in historiography, research methods, source development, and writing in two steps: 1. Historiography and Research Methods. You will read scholarly sources that explore the course theme—Capitalism in China?—and analyze how scholars’ backgrounds, use of primary sources, and analytical approaches shape divergent interpretations of the same topics. This training in historiography will enhance your understanding of critical historical research methods. 2. Research Development and Writing. While exploring previous scholars’ works, you will develop your own research project. You will identify your own research question, find secondary and primary sources, and assess the historiography of your own field. You will also begin drafting your Honors thesis. A faculty adviser and I will guide you through this process.