Creating your History dissertation
Monica Fernandes, Academic Skills Advisor
#1 Do background reading on the topic
Background readings will help you to… – Understand the context of your topic – Find out more details (individuals, events, organisations, etc) – Pick keywords related to your topic Ie: Fine tune your topic further
Pick a number
2 7 4 1
9
3 6
5
10 8
Quick think Topic: What are the general readings you’d do on your topic that correlates with your number?
#2 Know how to approach your topic
If your title is broad... • specify your particular angle or focus • This could include looking at specific countries, concepts, theories or even a specific date or event Quick Think.... What is History?
If your title is precise... • define your key words • Remember to include the context of what you’re going to discuss Quick think... Are regimes such as Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy best understood as sui generis?
Remember the command words Vital in understanding and answering your topic.... • Examples: Critically assess, evaluate, discuss, compare
#3
Check for Sources
Questions your should be asking about your sources.... • Are there enough sources available to explore your topic? • Primary vs. secondary sources • Identify your keywords
Eg: if you want to write about the “fleshas” in Mozambique, you might encounter problems trying to get primary sources
Start creating your literature review What is it? 1. An critical evaluation of scholarly articles, books and other sources (e.g. dissertations etc.) 2. that are relevant to a particular issue, area of research, or theory. 3. It is also selective and refined –from general to specific
#4 Organise your work
• Email work to your self – this will help you keep up to date with the bibliography – Also great back up
• Create a timetable and manage your time well – discipline is key
• Create your own deadlines • Keep a record of all notes
Categorise your work... • Chronological • Show advances • Changes over time • Issues to be addressed • Thematic • Key issues, themes, debates • Isolate key issues • Methodological • Different methods – evaluate • Identify key method
#5
Create your outline
• What is your thesis statement – What are your research questions?
• What are your – main points – sub-points
• Do you have enough evidence? • Logical and clear structure
And remember your structure‌
S
Statement/Topic sentence
E
Explanation and Reasoning
E
Examples/Evidence
One-sentence paragraph
Remember • Choose a topic that you’re interested in • Know the details... – Deadline – Word count – Referencing style – Grammar
For more help… • Contact: monica.fernandes@brunel.ac.uk • Or see me during my consultation times at MJ 234 on: – Monday 11:00-12:00 or – Wednesday 14:00-15:00
• For more info about events or seminars follow me on Twitter...@ASKPolHist