Who can I go to for help with my research?
There are many different sources available to you for help with your research. Do not be afraid to use all of the knowledge and skills made available to you.
- Your Instructor. The instructor's role is to guide
you in the overall processes of refining a topic and the research and
writing of the paper. Most importantly, they will make sure that you stay
on schedule. The latter point is extremely important: it is departmental
policy that NO INCOMPLETES ARE GIVEN IN HISTORY 4961. You will be meeting
with your instructor on a regular basis and they will be your most important
resource.
- Faculty Advisor. Students are strongly encouraged to
also consult with a faculty advisor who has expertise in your particular
topic. Your advisor will help you identify sources (both primary and secondary)
and discuss substantive issues relating to your topic. In some cases,
your instructor may also be your faculty advisor. If not, then your instructor
can suggest another faculty member. Meetings with faculty advisors usually
take place one or two times during the beginning of the semester, but
may also continue as needed.
- Your Classmates. The other students in your sections
can be a valuable resource for your research. They will be able to answer
many questions, as well as providing support and feedback during all of
the phases of the research and writing process. They can also help you
figure out creative and useful ways to budget the time you need to finish
the major paper.
- Librarians. Librarians and bibliographers will assist
you in use of the library. Take a tour of the facilities, and ask your
instructors who to contact at the libraries. There are many specialists
who can help you find the sources that you need.
- Local Archives. Archives in the Twin Cities area contain
primary research materials appropriate for the major paper project, and
their personnel are valuable resources for you in your search for the
right sources. Don't be afraid to ask the archivists questions about your
projects. They know their collections very well and they have worked with
various different researchers. They might think of a useful source that
you did not even consider.
- Samples. The History Undergraduate
Studies Office (1st floor of Social Sciences) has on file sample major
papers for student consultation. Students are encouraged to examine several
major papers in order to ascertain what is involved in this written exercise.
- History Writing Tutor. You should work closely with the department's writing tutor in preparing your proposal and outline, and in writing your preliminary and final drafts.
