1. Think about the specific subject or theme that you would like to explore further (it is not sufficient to repeat a lecture that I have given, or to reproduce an article; that would be punishable crime called plagiarism).
2. What is the particular angle that you would like to look into? Why do you think it is viable?
3. Think about sources. What have you read on the subject? What other preliminary sources have you identified, and how much more do you think you will find?
4. Develop a clear, brief title and one paragraph thesis statement (or abstract) articulating your argument. Nobody writes anything scholarly without a thesis. Does the thesis elaborate the title? These two things are your compass. You can’t sail Iteru Harupwi (the Nile that does not dry) without it.
5. Sketch out the key points of your paper, indicating how each advances your thesis.
6. List your preliminary sources, annotating them for relevance and possibly indicating which source will help you with which point. Lectures are not sources; you can use them for guidance—for knowledge on the subject, to read some of the sources that I cite.
7. Develop your bibliography as you conduct your research and write your paper. Do not leave this until later.
8. Choose a specific citation style, use it correctly and consistently throughout.
Further guidelines
Your paper has to be on an aspect of ancient African history. You can use sources listed on the syllabus and/or uploaded on Canvas, but go beyond them. Strive to also find and use primary sources. Talk to me and your Tas as you develop your research; do not wait for the final few weeks or days before the due date. The best consultation is done face-to-face, not via email: utilize office hours. I am in HSSB 4253 every Wednesday 9-11AM. If the time does not work for you, email me for options.
As the syllabus says : 8 pages, double-spaced; 12-point font; Times New Roman; 1” margins; single spaced headings; consistent citations (footnotes).