The Research Colloquium

Research Colloquium Application and Course Guidelines

HIST B9901/ HIST 31330

For History M.A., B.A./M.A., and advanced B.A. students

The Research Colloquium is an intensive writing seminar in which students develop a substantial historical research project through faculty mentorship and peer-review in a class workshop setting. Students should have a project underway, with a working draft they can circulate early in the semester. Instructor approval of your proposed project is required before you ask the M.A. Director for permission to register.

How to apply and register

Email the course instructor, Dr. Lale Can ( lcan@ccny.cuny.edu ), a one-paragraph description of the research project you propose to pursue in the class. The paragraph should identify a feasible project and explain what you intend to complete by the end of the semester.

☐ Give a tentative title and briefly describe your topic and central research question.

☐ Identify the form of the project: a thesis prospectus, a thesis chapter, an existing research paper you will expand substantially, or a historiographical essay. Students wishing to develop a new project should meet with the instructor to discuss its feasibility.

☐ Describe the kinds of primary sources you will analyze and secondary scholarship you will draw on.

☐ State your goal for the end of the semester, including the piece of writing you plan to complete.

The instructor will review your proposal and may ask you to clarify or revise the project. Once the instructor approves it, contact the M.A. Director, Dr. Seiji Shirane ( sshirane@ccny.cuny.edu ) to request permission to register for the appropriate course section. Obtain instructor approval first; then request registration permission.

Choosing a project and final goal

Choose a project that can be advanced substantially within one semester. You may use the course to develop a thesis prospectus, write a chapter of an ongoing thesis, develop a substantial historiographical essay, or expand an independent research paper already underway. A paper from another class may serve as a starting point if you plan to extend its research, argument, and analysis substantially; explain that development in your application paragraph.

The final writing goal is a refined thesis prospectus of approximately 15–20 pages or a final paper of approximately 20–25 pages. If you propose a thesis chapter, agree with the instructor on its scope, length, and expected stage of completion. Confirm the appropriate final product with the instructor at the start of the semester.

How the workshop works

The colloquium is a small workshop designed to provide the setting and structure for sustained research and writing. Class meetings begin with discussion of short readings on historical research and writing. The course then includes two rounds of peer review on pre-circulated first and second drafts of each student’s work. A final paper is submitted to the professor at the end of the semester.

You will develop your project through regular writing, discussion, and revision, with guidance from the instructor and constructive feedback from classmates. The course depends on everyone taking both roles seriously: author and reader.

Your responsibilities as an author

☐ Agree with the instructor on a focused project, a final writing goal, and a realistic research and drafting plan.

☐ Complete the assigned readings and prepare to discuss historical research and writing.

☐ Circulate drafts before your scheduled workshop, following the instructor’s deadlines and submission instructions.

☐ Identify the questions or problems on which you most need feedback, such as argument, sources, structure, or historiographical framing.

☐ Revise your work in response to feedback and allow time for substantial changes before the final submission.

Your responsibilities as a reader

☐ Read classmates’ circulated drafts carefully before class and arrive prepared to discuss them.

☐ Offer specific, constructive feedback on the research question, argument, evidence, engagement with scholarship, and organization.

☐ Identify strengths as well as areas needing development, and suggest practical next steps for revision.

☐ Participate respectfully and help create a workshop in which classmates can share work in progress.

What you should aim to accomplish

By the end of the semester, your project should have a clear research question and an effective structure. A prospectus should present a feasible research plan grounded in relevant sources and scholarship. A paper or thesis chapter should develop an original historical argument through primary-source analysis and engagement with secondary scholarship. A historiographical essay should demonstrate command of the literature and strong analytical skills.