Guidelines for History Theses and Honors Theses

Every student should write a thesis that presents a research question and answers it with a coherent explanation or argument. The following guidelines should help you appreciate the many elements behind asking and answering your question effectively. Each of these tasks form the foundation of a strong thesis, but their relevance will vary somewhat, depending on the topic.

Argument

• Develops a good question.
• Develops a responsible argument from primary and secondary sources.

Use of Evidence

• Demonstrates command of a body of knowledge.
• Selects and employs primary and secondary sources with a critical awareness of their strengths and limitations.
• Understands how others have used the sources and how the topic has been interpreted over time. (This is also known as a literature review.)

Understanding

• Demonstrates sensitivity to chronology, context, cause, and effect.
• Shows empathy, respect for the people being discussed.
• Demonstrates an awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of one’s own perspective, the perspectives of primary and secondary sources, and the perspective of the advisor.
• Employs good, clear writing, including proper mechanics and citations.

Process

• Conducts independent research effectively.
• Responds well to faculty direction.
• Responds appropriately to challenges that arise when researching and writing the thesis.

 

Revised, July 2014