Michael and Kathleen Clem History Writing Center

Looking for us? We're currently mostly posting over on our Instagram (@wmhistwriting). Follow us there to read today's #historywriting tips: on crafting a strong intro and conclusion for your history paper!✍️ instagram.com/wmhistwriting/

Consultations are now open for all @williamandmary students! Want help with any kind of history writing? Schedule a virtual or in-person appointment today! wm.edu/as/history/undergradu…

That's all for now! Remember that your friendly neighborhood History Writing Center is here to support you in the earlier stages of the writing process (research qs, brainstorming, outlining, etc.) as well as in the later ones. Make an appointment here: wm.edu/as/history/undergradu…

#5 Choose a topic you can cover in the paper length you're assigned. Try to be specific! For example, the entire history of the Ming Dynasty would be a lot for an 6 pg paper, but how the Ming Dynasty strengthened the Great Wall from 1567-1570 you could more fully address.

#4 Another way to come up with a topic is to revisit some of your notes from the class. What readings, lectures, and discussions did you most enjoy? What interested you about them? Can you choose a related topic to research for your paper/project?

#3 Once you have a few sources, read them carefully & start brainstorming. What qs about the past will these sources help you answer? How are they interesting, important, contradictory, and/or challenging? How do they relate to what's been covered in class? 🕵️🔎

#2 pt 2 Try searching the Swem Library catalog (libraries.wm.edu/) for secondary sources, and look through databases (libraries.wm.edu/databases) to find primary source collections that might help you explore a time period and topic.

#2 Think in terms of source-bases. History is all about examining evidence from the past, right? It might be a good idea to do exploratory research first to make sure their are enough primary & secondary sources for your topic idea.

#1 Pay attention to the assignment. Has your professor given guidance in the syllabus, another handout, or in class about possible topics? Have you been given a list of sources to consult for your topic? Start there!

Hey William & Mary students! Are you starting to brainstorm topics for your final #history papers/projects?🧠📝 If we may, we have a few tips! (Thread) #williamandmary #historywriting #writingcenter

Hey everyone! What're you working on this week? We're here to support all of your history writing needs, from brainstorming, to outlining, to making rough drafts less rough. Make an appointment today! wm.edu/as/history/undergradu…

Now's the time to start thinking abt final papers & projects. Are parts due before the final due date? What can you start now (choose topic, outline, research)? We can help with all of it! Make a HWC appointment today & alleviate some finals stress! wm.edu/as/history/undergradu…

The Blair [Hall] Witch Project. In October of 2021, 6 grad student writing consultants experienced some spooky events in Williamsburg, VA. This is their footage. instagram.com/reel/CVn197kJR…

We're so there!

Facing some *spooky* history writing deadlines, @williamandmary? 🎃 We can help you mock up a *bewitching* outline 🪄, *resurrect* a rough draft 🧟, or even just offer a sounding board as you brain🧠storm! Make an appointment today: wm.edu/as/history/undergradu…

Fall Break is nearly upon us! 🍂 If you're looking to make some progress on your history writing tasks before you take a break, we have open appointments today and tomorrow! Sign up here: wm.edu/as/history/undergradu… #williamandmary #historywriting #writingcenter

We really appreciate you sending them our way!

We hope you come to the History Writing Center for help with your history writing, but it's ok if you also come to get a nifty (free!) water bottle and pen. We get it. See ya soon, #williamandmary students! Make your appointment here: wm.edu/as/history/undergradu…