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All Economic & Social History Honours students have the option of doing a dissertation in their senior year, which counts as the equivalent of two courses. The dissertation provides students with the opportunity to engage in independent research and to produce a sustained study of a selected topic. It involves identifying a debate or central issue in existing historical literature and then using an appropriate mixture of primary and secondary sources to analyse and interpret it. Topics often emerge out of the student's interest in a particular course or subject. Those interested in undertaking a dissertation should explore their ideas with the relevant member of staff with the aim of selecting a topic by Easter of the Junior Honours year.

There will be an introductory meeting in March. There will be a research meeting in September for the students to present their findings to this point. There will be a class meeting focusing on finalising the dissertation in December. Students will meet individually with their supervisor as their dissertation progresses.

Entry to the Economic & Social History Honours programme.

ESH4010P Researching Economic and Social History 2

Dissertation of 12,000-15,000 words.

To conceive, develop and undertake a substantial, original and self-managed research project that engages effectively with at least one of the concerns of the discipline of Economic and Social History.

After completing this course, students will be able to:

1. Identify a research question within the discipline of Economic and Social History.

1. Conceive and develop a substantial research plan

1. Undertake a combination of secondary and primary-source based research, locating the latter firmly within the historiography of the former

1. Undertake and effectively manage a substantial research project, with support from an supervisor

1. Present the findings of the research in an effective, convincing and academic matter.

Submission of dissertation