Course Overview

The department sees HIST 461 as the capstone course in your development as a historian. For that reason, research, writing, oral presentations, and an assessment of fundamental historical knowledge make up the backbone of the course. It is why the course is required of all majors, and why it also qualifies as both speaking and writing intensive. Do not be fooled by the one-hour credit designation: the course is mandatory, and your professors take it most seriously. Thus, students should NOTE: Satisfactory completion (earning a C- or better) of this course and each of its requirements (including the Major Field Achievement Test (MFAT) and questionnaire) is required of all history majors in order to graduate. Nothing herein is optional.

Course Objectives

Through this course, students will  

• Gain knowledge of historical methodology.
• Practice research methods for the field of history.
• Practice critical and analytical thinking skills.
• Understand the important of ethical and epistemological dilemmas in the shaping of historical writing.
• Defend a written assignment in an oral presentation. 

Required Texts

We've much, much, much to read (a real surprise in a Longwood history course, no?). The key text will be Ms. Turabian’s justly famous Manual, plus readings available through myself or the electronic reserve of the library. Be sure to acquire her text because your familiarity with it will be key to succeeding in this course.

• Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for the Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. (7th edition)

Grading &Assignments

NOTE:  Dr. Coles and I are listed as the professors for BOTH sections of Senior Seminar.  What this means is that while you will attend this section of the class, the assignments (particularly the written requirements for your research paper and also your portfolio vita, might be graded by either Dr. Coles or myself—based primarily on the topic of your research paper).

As many of you know, Longwood has adopted a system wherein a letter grade with a + or a - is weighted in the computations of the student’s GPA. Look to my “General Policies” for how I will be assigning such grades from the numerical basis that I use in the course. In addition, my policies on late work submissions, classroom comportment, overall professionalism and all other expectations are there as well. Be aware, however, that my normal, libertarian approach to attendance does not apply in this course. Students are expected to attend all classes, and this will be monitored. Two unexcused absences will cost a letter grade in the course; four will result in an “F” for the course. Once again: do not assume that the course's one-credit designation makes it a lightweight course! It isn’t.

Portfolio/CV/Resume: (5%) As seniors about to graduate, students in this course will also be preparing themselves for the job market. To that end, students will prepare a portfolio/CV/resumé that outlines the knowledge, skills, and abilities that make them attractive job candidates. The first portion will consist of the CV/resumé, and the second portion will be a writing sample, along with any other materials that may help showcase pertinent talents and successes. For example, those planning to teach should prepare a teaching philosophy. Others with an eye on graduate school should write a personal statement. The vita will be posted on the Longwood Career Center web site.

Major Field Test (MFT): (40%) Students will be required to take a departmental achievement test, to be administered one afternoon during the semester. This is mandatory, and no student will be able to complete the class successfully or graduate without satisfying this requirement.

Oral Presentations: (15%) One of the skills to continue perfecting for success beyond Longwood is that of making oral presentations. Thus, students will give one shorter, informal presentation and two formal presentations. The first will present a student's research question and sources to all of us, inviting both critique and helpful suggestions for ongoing research.. More details will be forthcoming in Canvas on the final, formal presentation in class, but here the student will showcase their senior thesis via its argument and the gathered evidence. Starting in 2017, seniors will also present (via a poster presentation) in Longwood's campus-wide Research and Assessment Day.

Senior Thesis / Research Paper: (40% ) Finally, the fun part of the course. You get to explore any topic of your choice (provided I have approved it, of course). This paper must be 12-16 pages in length, double-spaced, show original scholarship in both primary and secondary material, and follow the style of citation in Turabian's manual. Further specifics and mechanics will be available via Canvas. There are a number of preparatory assignments built into the syllabus that you will want to adhere to. Missing them will affect both this grade and the participation grade. These preliminary deadlines culminate in the First Draft, which will itself count for 15% of the course grade (5% goes to the earlier tasks).

Schedule of Topics & Assignments

Where there are readings assigned, you are expected to come to class with them already read, prepared to discuss them.

Date	Topic	Readings & Assigments
26 Aug	Intro to Course	Go over Syllabus: expectations, assignments, grades, etc.
	Labor Day
9 Sept	First Steps...	Wineburg, “Historical Thinking and Other Unnatural Acts” Turabian, Chapters 1–2
16 Sept	Library Research	Turabian, Chapters 3–4
23 Sept	Short Oral Presentation	Research Question Data Sheet Due
30 Sept	Research & Citation Workshop	Turabian, Chapters 15–17 Bring sources for your paper to class with which to practice.
7 Oct	MFT Practice Workshop	Annotated Bibliography Due
14 Oct	Fall Break	What a great opportunity to do some serious research and writing !!
21 Oct	MFT Practice Workshop
24 Oct	MFT Testing (3:30–5:30)
25 Oct	MFT Testing (3:00–5:00)
28 Oct	Career Center	Presentation by Megan Miller, from the Career Center
29 Oct		Rough Draft of Paper Due!
4 Nov
11 Nov	Oral Presentations
18 Nov	Oral Presentations
19-20 Nov		Last preparations/printing for Research Day presentations
21 Nov	Research Day Presentations
25 Nov	Oral Presentations
2 Dec	Reserve Class Day
6 Dec		Final Draft of Paper Due (Ruffner 226-A)
11 Dec		Portfolios Due (Ruffner 226-A)

Contacting Dr. Isaac

Office: Ruffner 226-A
Office Phone: 395-2225
Office Hours: MW, 3-4:00pm; TR, 10-10:45am
Send me an E-mail
Feel free to drop in at anytime; if I can’t see you then, I will gladly set up an appointment at your convenience.