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WiSe 20/21: Disciplinary Theory and Methods in the Study of History

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This one-year course offers first-year PhD candidates the opportunity to work on their thesis. The focus during the winter term is on theory, methodology and secondary sources topped off by a sound historiographical review. The second term (summer term) will then focus on primary research, archives, more methodology and the composition of a draft research report. The course structure is very much determined by students’ needs. We will investigate individual secondary sources pertaining to students’ individual research topic but may also wish to discuss how to assemble research data, how to apply for travel funds and how to approach scholars working in the field. Furthermore, we seek to develop a historiographical review addressing the most important literature in the field. Candidates looking for inspirational reading regarding the writing of a thesis may check out Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams, The Craft of Research, 3rd ed. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2008) as well as Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, 6th ed. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1996), all present in the JFKI library. The first draft of your historiographical review is due six weeks after the end of the semester, the final version on the first day of the spring term. The review should be about 20 to 30 pp long and cover the following points: 1. An informed and concise presentation of the past and present state of research in the field covered in the dissertation, complete with footnotes and an extensive bibliography. 2. A structure outlining the most important schools, trends and argument. 3. A reflection on how the dissertation will relate and contribute to the current state of research as outlined in the review. close