Methods of Local Historical Research

Composition and Research in the Classroom

Mondays - 5:30 - 8:15

Instructor: Beverly Bragg, Ph.D.
Office Hours: SU, 2nd Floor, Room 213
Mon, Weds, Friday - 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., or by appointment
Contact Information: SUbragg@su.suedu

Catalog Description: Application of writing as it pertains to local research. No

prerequisite.

Course Description: This course will introduce you to the discipline of historical writing
and research. You will be asked to participate in low stakes writing assignments, such as an inclass writing assignment on a historical person or event that interests you and self-portrait
exercise that will encourage you to think about the visual and non-visual aspects of your own
culture. You will also be asked to participate in several high stakes writing assignments. You
will produce a paper proposal, which will help you understand how to select and support a thesis.
Also, you will be asked to produce an annotated bibliography. This exercise will teach you how
to summarize an article / book chapter, how to select sources that contribute to the argument you
are trying to make in your final paper, and to properly cite sources. I will include at least one
exercise in which I will ask you to read and summarize a short article in class (participation
grade).

Required Texts
Everyone's an Author (with readings)
Norton
ISBN: 9780393912012

Course Outcomes
>You will learn to participate in local research
>You will learn to write a research proposal, an annotated bibliography, a rough draft and a final
research paper.
Grade Breakdown
>Class discussion and participation: 20%
>Proposal: 10%
>Annotated Bibliography: 20%
>Final Research Paper: 50%
Attendance
Attendance is required. Each student will be granted three unexcused absences. If you cannot
make it to class, please email me ahead of time. If you are going to be more than 20 minutes late
for class, please do not come to class.

Grading Scale
A

90-100

80-89

70-79

60-69

Academic Honesty
Students are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity.
Academic Dishonesty for which a student is subject to penalty includes cheating, plagiarism,
fabrication, multiple submission, misrepresentation of academic records, facilitating
academic dishonesty, unfair advantage, violating known safety requirements and ethical
misconduct. This includes holding other students to the same standards and reporting any
incidents of alleged violation of the honesty policy to the instructor involved or, if necessary, to
the appropriate academic department head. All students are responsible for being familiar with
the Academic Dishonesty Policy of this university.
Sexual Misconduct
Sexual misconduct of students and employees at this university is unacceptable and will not be
tolerated. Any member of the university community violating this policy is subject to
disciplinary action.

Educational Accommodations
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides
comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this
legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that
provides for reasonable accommodation of their disability.
Tutoring Center
The Tutoring Center at this university provides academic assistance to students. Writing tutors
help students develop reading skills, prepare oral presentations, and plan, draft, and revise their
papers. Location: SU Building, Room 223.