This course is designed to introduce the dissertation student to the complex methods of completing historical research. The course will focus on the fundamentals of historical research and woriting, and consider the differences between historical dissertations/research projects and other types of dissertation work. The course will orient students toward critical thinking, source analysis and criticism and historical interpretation. The course will focus on how to formulate a research project including an historiography and annotated bibliography. In addition to understanding how to assess secondary sources, students will consider how to examine and determine the viability of primary sources for a research project. Students will have time to consider topics of interest and work towards a proposal for a substantial research project. [ 3 credits ]