Becoming A Student-HistorianAnalysis, Critical thinking, and the
ever-elusive Thesis.
-By Mary Enge
A Few DefinitionsWhats the difference between a student of
history and a Student-Historian?
Students of history are able to recall many facts, names, dates,
and places of important events just as they appear in textbooks,
and often do well on multiple choice tests.
However
Student-Historians are able to analyze data from various
sources, including secondary sources such as textbooks, and then
make their interesting and insightful comments known through their
own research and writing. These students can do well both on
multiple choice tests and essay prompts.
Elements of a True Historians Essay:I. ResearchII. ThesisIII.
EvidenceIV. ComplexityV. Craftsmanship
I. ResearchThe key to accurate historical research is diversity.
A multitude of different sources are needed in order to obtain a
full picture of the matter being studied.Primary sources: A good
paper should brimming with primary sources, these are sources that
were created during the historical period being studied.Secondary
sources: These are also helpful and provide context and insight for
primary sources--you will be creating your own secondary
sources.The school librarians are a great resource, dont be afraid
to ask them for help!
Examples
II. Elements of a ThesisTopic: What is it that you are writing
about?Ex: Absolutism in FranceObservation: What is it about that
topic that you noticed and wanted to really specifically
address?Ex: Louis XIV played off of the fears of the French
peopleSo What?: Why should the reader care? Address any larger
implications here. It should be arguable.Ex: King Louis XIV of
France effectively used knowledge of human nature in order to gain
political power through absolutism.
III. EvidenceThis is where your research comes in! You should
have enough information to formulate several main points in favor
of your thesis and defend them with quotes and examples from the
texts you studied.
Include directly quoted material and paraphrases, but always
cite the author of the text and always explain each piece of
evidence!
IV. ComplexityNobody ever said History was without its
complexities, and your paper certainly shouldnt ignore them.ALWAYS
include an acknowledgement of the opposing argument, but then
defend your argument against the attack with new evidence.Do it
well and it will be clear to the reader that you are in the
right!
V. CraftsmanshipOrganization: Your paper must be logically laid
out for the reader to understand. Try to make broad categories for
your evidence and then make these your main points and main
paragraphs.Transitions: Transitional sentences act like road signs,
gently guiding the reader from point A to point B.Quotes: Make sure
you integrate and introduce your quotes, they should never stand
alone in the middle of a paragraph.
Good Luck!If you follow these guidelines and choose a topic of
interest to you, the research and paper will be easier and much
more fun; you wont need luck, and victory will be yours.
