Fall 2002

Dr. Glenn McNair

Th 7:00-10:00

Timberlake Seminar Room

Office Hours, MW 2:15-5:00 and by appointment

Seitz House No. 6

Ph. 427-5325

Email: mcnairg@kenyon.edu

This course focuses on the conceptual frameworks and methods used by historians and the debates within the profession about the nature of the past and the best way to write about it. The seminar prepares students of history to be productive researchers, insightful readers and effective writers. Students will consider the meanings of historical questions, evaluate and classify historical sources and arguments, and prepare a research paper using the principles and methods learned in the course.

*Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses and Dissertations

*J.W. Davidson and Mark H. Lytle, After the Fact: The Art of Historical Detection

*Norman J. Wilson, History in Crisis: Recent Directions in Historiography

*Peter Burke, New Perspectives on Historical Writing

*Martha Howell and Walter Prevenier, From Reliable Sources: An Introduction to Historical

*Handouts Provided by Instructor and Articles on ERES (ERES password: hist387)

1. Class participation and discussion 30%
2. Skill Exercises 15%
3. Research Proposal 20%
4. Research Paper 35%

Attendance: Each student is expected to attend class regularly and on time. Roll will be taken and more than one unexcused absence during the semester will result in the deduction of a full letter grade. Excuses must be obtained from the Dean of Students or the Dean for Academic Advising

Class meetings: Students are expected to have read the assigned material, and to be fully prepared to discuss the same. The class participation grade will be based on student participation in classroom, which will include a one to two page summary and response to the major themes of each week’s readings. Students must submit at least ten response papers to receive full credit in this area.

Research Paper: Each student will provide the instructor with a proposal for a double-spaced, 12-15 page research paper. Students may choose any topic which is relevant to the issues and time period under examination. Papers must have a clear thesis and use both primary and secondary source materials. All sources should be cited in footnotes; footnotes and all other matters of style must conform to the Chicago Manual of Style (14^th ed.) or A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses and Dissertations (6^th ed.) by Kate L. Turabian. (Both are available at the Olin Library). Students must also provide a research proposal including an annotated bibliography describing the sources that will be consulted. Students will write their papers using a 12 point Times New Roman font, with page margins of one inch on the top, bottom and both sides of each page. Each paper must have a cover page; each page must be numbered, and the entire paper must be stapled or bound in some fashion. Grading of this paper will be based on the clarity of the thesis, the construction of the argument and grammar. As grammar and construction are critical considerations in the grading of this assignment, student use of the Writing Center is strongly recommended. (The instructor will review drafts, provided they are submitted no later than Nov. 14^th ) This assignment is due on Dec 5th . All Papers are due at the end of class. Later papers will be downgraded one full letter grade.

Late Work: All assignments are due at the beginning of class. Assignments received after this point will be downgraded 10 points per 24 hours, beginning at the end of the class period. Exceptions will be granted in only in cases of dire circumstance. (I will not grant exceptions because your printer did not print, you lost the diskette, or you had eight other assignments due at the same time! Prepare your work in advance.)

In order to ensure academic integrity Kenyon College has established an Honor Code. The Honor Code of Kenyon College prohibits all forms of academic dishonesty, which include cheating and plagiarism. In accordance with the policy of the Kenyon College any breach of the Code will be immediately reported to the Academic Infractions Board. A copy of the 2002-2003 course of study guidelines regarding plagiarism and academic dishonesty is attached and each student should read it carefully. The instructor will clarify any concern students may have on these issues.