The following guide is intended for use in History courses taught by Professors Adamson, Allitt, Beik, Bellesiles, Burns, Davis, Fox-Genovese, Harbutt, Harris, Mann, Melton, Miller, Odem, Patterson, Packard, Payne, Prude, Ravina, Silliman, Socolow.
Effective reading lays the foundation for effective writing.
Read the preface or introduction if the assigned work has one to learn the author's purpose and objective. After you have finished each chapter, write a summary of the author's most important points or conclusions. Try to identify the author's point of view or bias. Your professor will provide additional information for specific assignments. Write your essay as if it were going to be read by someone who knew less about the subject than you do.