Time Schedule:
Brian Barnes
HIST 498
Seattle Campus
Each seminar examines a different subject or problem. A quarterly list of the seminars and their instructors is available in the Department of History undergraduate advising office.
Class description
From the 1820s to the Civil War, Americans debated the future of slavery and African-Americans in the United States. Three major activist groups (all with their own internal divisions) emerged: the abolitionists, the colonizationists, and the proslavery advocates. Students in this seminar will conduct research on a topic of their own selection concerning this debate and produce fifteen-page original research paper. In the process, participants can expect to hone their analytical research, writing, and discussion skills.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Weekly meeting with seminar group to develop ideas, research strategies, and edit writing.
Recommended preparation
Coursework in 19th century U.S. history would be extremely useful, but is not required. Most important is a willingness to put forth the considerable effort necessary to research and write an original research paper.
Class assignments and grading
One fifteen-page paper, including rough draft, and shorter writing assignments that contribute to the completion of your research paper.
50% research paper and 50% short assignments and participation in seminar.
