History 492: Thesis/Independent Study

History 492 provides students with an opportunity to conduct original, independent research on a subject of their own choosing, under the supervision of an appropriate member of the department. Created solely for history majors, History 492 is both a demanding and rewarding intellectual experience– the culmination of four years rigorous undergraduate programming. 

Students who enroll in History 492 must identify a possible supervisor within the department of history and identify a possible area of research. Students must also choose to complete a thesis or an independent study project.

The thesis will take the form of a 30-40 page essay. Stressing high-quality original research over the exhaustive treatment of a given subject, the thesis will teach students the critical skills of isolating, defining, and explaining an historical problem through independent research in primary and secondary sources.

An independent study project may take many forms. A project might involve conducting oral history interviews, constructing a photo-essay, planning a walking tour, designing a museum installation, creating educational curriculum, or writing a series of short essays. All independent study projects, like a thesis, must be based on extensive primary and secondary sources.

Whether a student chooses to complete a thesis or independent study project, students are strongly encouraged to select a subject area that they enjoy: History 492 is at lot of work, but, when crafted and undertaken properly, it can be joyful and rewarding experience as well.