10 Feb Submit your research paper topi

HIST552 Civil War-Seminal Event in American History

Research Paper Proposal

Submit your research paper topic proposal that is no more than 350 words by the end of Week Three. In this proposal you will describe your topic and its significance, state your initial thesis in one or two sentences, and list at least 2 of your sources (2-4 high quality academic sources such as books or journal articles (not websites) are the minimum requirement for the report itself).

You have much leeway with the selection of your topic as long as there is some connection with the subject matter of this class, but don’t make it too difficult on yourself. If you want to test the waters first, send me a message and we can discuss your ideas before you complete this assignment. Some suggestions are a biographical treatment of a significant figure, a unit history, or a battle or campaign study. Other topics of interest might relate to broader discussions of strategy or tactics, or anything else you’re interested in pursuing. Come up with a topic and do some initial research to ensure that you have access to the materials necessary to complete the research.

Please review the attached rubric and ensure that you understand what your paper will be graded on. Note the importance of the thesis in the grading. Much of my evaluation will depend on how well you support your thesis (per the rubric), so be sure you fully comprehend what a thesis is! This is not a thesis: “In this paper I will discuss the role of regimental commanders in Civil War combat.” That is a purpose statement, but there’s no thesis. Here’s what a thesis might look like: “This paper contends that regimental commanders who exercised flexibility and initiative on the battlefield were able to achieve success and reduce casualties by adapting to changing circumstances as a battle developed, while others who remained inflexibly committed to their orders frequently failed and suffered needless losses. I argue that commanders with professional military training most commonly fell into the latter group, and that military training was actually a hindrance on the battlefield.”