Discussion
Prepare: In order to successfully complete this week's assignments:
• Watch Credibility: Critical Thinking.
• Read the following chapters from the text, Essaying the Past: How to Read, Write, and Think about History:
o Chapter 1: History: It's About Time
o Chapter 2: What's the Story with History?
o Chapter 3: The Sources of History
o Chapter 4: Good Answers Begin with Good Questions
o Appendix A: Writing anEssay: Ten Easy Steps in Review
Reflect: The first step in the research process is selecting a topic that interests you and is manageable within the context of this course. As you reflect on your coursework in History, which the following themes do you find most intriguing?
• Belief systems in historical context
• Colonialism or decolonization
• Empire or imperialism
• Gender roles and relationships in historical context
• Nationalism
• Revolution (social, political, cultural, or economic)
• Social traditions or social change
As you think about your research topic
• Start to narrow your focus.
• Try to pose your idea as an answer to a how or why question.
• Consider what kinds of primary sources may be available to support your inquiry. Think about how your idea fits into the historiography of the topic or issue.
• Remember that your topic must be manageable within the scope and confines of this course.
Write: In an initial post of at least 250-300 words, state the theme that interests you and explain how or why it relates to the topic you wish to examine in your Final Capstone Research Project.
• How could a research project help you explore your interests and seek answers to questions you may have?
• What research strategies can you use to begin your inquiry?
• How does your interest in a broad theme lead to a more specific topic for your paper?
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.