The research paper can be on any topic in Reformation history. Papers are to be analytical and interpretive; they should present a thesis and develop an argument. You are encouraged to use primary sources, and you are expected to examine the historiographical context of your topic. First drafts may be limited to sources available in the Duggan Library, but you are expected to use Interlibrary Loan to obtain additional sources for the final draft. The grade of each draft will be based on the quality of the thesis and argument, the quality of the evidence and logic, and the quality of the writing. Three guides to research in Reformation history have been placed on the library reserve: (1) Steven Ozment, ed., Reformation Europe: A Guide to Research, (2) William Maltby, ed., Reformation Europe: A Guide to Research II, (3) John O'Malley, ed., Catholicism in Early Modern History : A Guide to Research. For reference, The Encyclopedia of the Reformation and Dictionary of the Middle Ages, both available in the reference area of the Duggan Library, are valuable sources. You should also consult with the Research and Writing pages of the History Department web site.
3. Class participation (10%)