History: Develop a Topic

What do you need to do? Understand your assignment.

• Check the assignment's guidelines and use key words, names and events to help begin. 
• This includes format, length, types of sources, and due date (no crunching here!)

Is there a lot of information already out there?

• If you have a newer idea or more recent topic, there may not be as much readily available information! A way to work around this is by showcasing gaps within research rather than the research itself. 

What is your position and argument? 

• To make a strong topic, there needs to be a purpose for the audience to read. If you are stuck, figure out what you might be interested and reading and go from there!

Now with your generated ideas...

Brainstorm and Organize: 

• Write down all of your thoughts on your topic to see connections or potential research questions
• Create lists, diagrams, or boxes to help group ideas or see what's missing.

Refine: 

• If you are finding too much information, your research topic may be too broad. Consider narrowing down your scope by considering dates, location, events, or demographics. 
  • Topic: Abraham Lincoln
  • Refined: What tactics did Abraham Lincoln to gain voters during his presidential campaign of 1860?
• If you are not finding enough information, your topic may be to narrow. Consider broadening your scope by zooming out in one area.
  • Topic: How did Lincoln dress in March 1860 reflect his status?
  • Refined: How does attire reflect cultural status during the Civil War era?