Becoming A Student- Historian Analysis, Critical thinking, and the ever-elusive Thesis. -By Mary Enge

A Few Definitions… What’s 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 Historian’s Essay: I. Research II. Thesis III. Evidence IV. Complexity V. Craftsmanship

I. Research The 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, don’t be afraid to ask them for help!

Examples

II. Elements of a Thesis Topic: What is it that you are writing about? –Ex: Absolutism in France Observation: 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 people So 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. Evidence This 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. Complexity Nobody ever said History was without its complexities, and your paper certainly shouldn’t 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. Craftsmanship Organization: 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 won’t need luck, and victory will be yours.