Reference Desk
On this Site
Everything You Need to Know about Your College History Course
Download an RTF file of this comprehensive guide to navigating your history course, covering topics from how to write a paper to prepare for an exam.
Guide to the Internet For History
Download an RTF file of this detailed introduction to using the world wide web for studying history.
Researching Online
This resource offers guidelines for conducting Web-based research, evaluating selecting sources for your paper, and citing them in the proper formats. It also includes helpful activities and simulations to involve you in learning to use the Internet as a research tool.
On the Internet
Reading, Writing, and Researching for History: A Guide for College Students
Bowdoin College’s very detailed guide to reading, writing, and researching history papers is an excellent starting point for a whole range of history projects. Students will find particularly useful the tips on reading primary and secondary sources, as well as the guidelines for evaluating their own work.
Researching and Writing a History Paper: A Step-by-Step Guide
Hosted by the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, this well-organized site offers step-by-step advice for paper writing. It explains effective ways to select a topic, research that topic, and write about it, and it also guide students through proofreading, editing, and finalizing written drafts. In addition, this site offers a thorough, thematically-organized list of other history websites.
History Research and Writing
The history department at Bowdoin College offers A Guide for College Students: Reading, Writing, and Researching for History, a very detailed explanation of the process of creating a history essay.
Using the Internet for Academic Research
Concordia University Libraries' internet research tips and techniques.
The History Guide
Created by a professor of history, this guide not only discusses steps for writing a strong paper, but also offers tips on how to succeed generally in the study of history. It suggests reasons for studying history at all, gives tips on how to take effective notes, talks about studying for exams, and explains the importance of cultivating a good relationship with history instructors. A site worth visiting.
The Purdue University Online Writing Lab
A terrific collection of handouts on grammar and other writing issues.
The University of Wisconsin Writer’s Handbook
Online writer’s handbook includes very helpful sections on grammar and style.
Guide to Grammar and Writing
A useful online guide to grammar and writing.
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