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History: writing a history dissertation.
- Writing a History Dissertation
- Referencing and Style Guide
- Literature Search Plan
Starting a Literature Search
Conducting a literature search is a great way to find a viable topic and plan your research. It will also give you the opportunity to look for primary and secondary resources that can support the arguments you make in your dissertation.
Starting your literature search early will help you plan your dissertation and give you an overview of all the resources you might want to consult. Below are examples of how you can start this process and how they can help.
Dissertation Books
Define your Topic
Start your search by identifying a broad subject area, such as a country, period, theme or person. You might do this by looking at reference works, such as a Very Short Introduction , Cambridge Histories , or Oxford Handbooks . These books will give you an insight into the many areas you can investigate in greater depth and they will also provide references to peer-reviewed material on more defined topics.
Next , look at material which focuses more on the area you have identified from reference works. These might be books, chapters or articles which focus on a more defined area of the subject you have identified. Use these to formulate questions that you can answer in your research.
Then , read resources that will help you form your argument and answer the questions you have set. This material should focus on the topic you have chosen and help you explain what has been written on this area before.
Search for Secondary Resources
In order to successfully search for resources relevant to your study, you will need to use search-terms which will retrieve the best results. The tips below will help you do this:
Terms you have found in your reading
Keep a note of terms you have seen when you have been identifying your topic. This could be anything relevant your topic, including: places, people, jobs, religions, institutions, objects, periods, or events. Also, take note of terms that are related to your topic and had an impact on the area you are studying. Write down all the terms which relate to your topic and note which ones provide the most relevant results.
It can also be useful to keep a note of what you are not looking at so that you stay focused on your topic and do not retrieve too many results.
Authors who are written about the topic
You will start to notice that some authors are mentioned as specialists on the topic you are researching. Search a variety of catalogues to find what they have written on the subject in different formats. They might have contributed to edited works, written articles, given presentations to conferences or annotated works. They also might lead you to others who have written about your topic or research groups which are relevant to your studies.
Use subject searches
Most secondary resources have been indexed according to their subject. Through using these subject terms you can search catalogues more efficiently and find relevant resources without just searching the title or author.
If you find a useful resources, try looking at its catalogue record. See if any of the subject headings look useful and note what terminology they use as this will be consistent across most databases. When you have found a useful term, copy and paste it into a subject search (or select the link) and see what other resources are available.
You can also use an online thesaurus to find search terms. The most commonly used terms are the Library of Congress Subject Headings which provide uniform terms across international databases.
Use databases
The University subscribes to many databases that focus on different countries and topics. These will provide a comprehensive guide to what has been written in your area and may use different subject headings. Reference databases and bibliographies can be especially useful for finding citations of everything that has been written on a certain area of history. Biographical databases can also help find information about individuals and institutions. For a complete list of all the databases the University subscribes to, look at the A-Z of databases .
Search for Primary Resources
There are plenty of primary resources that can be used in your dissertation. The University subscribes to many databases that provide access to primary resources and some of our libraries hold special collections which can be used in your research. Below are some examples:
The University subscribes to many newspapers from the past and present. They can be a really useful tool for finding contemporary accounts of events and provide more than just articles (including: advertisements, illustrations, family notices, sports, arts, court cases). Many newspaper databases will also include related content, such as pamphlets and newsbooks.
The University Library has a collection of print newspapers which can be consulted on site. The University also subscribes to electronic databases of national and local newspapers across the world. More information about the newspaper databases we subscribe to is available on our dedicated website .
Special Collection Material
Many libraries and archives provide access to rare, unique and specialised collections of books and manuscripts. The University Library, for example, provides access to Manuscripts and Rare Books Departments , as do some of the colleges. Some of the more frequently used and important material is also available as part of an online library, such as Cambridge's CUDL .
Official Publications (Government Documents)
Documents produced by governmental and intergovernmental bodies can provide an insight into their decision making and governance. Several libraries in Cambridge have received official publications material and a lot of material is now available online. More information about the official material in Cambridge libraries is available on our Official Publications LibGuide .
Data and Statistics
Figures can be used to help illustrate a point and provide evidence as you answer the central question in your dissertation. You might chose to refer to census data, crime statistics, trade figures, or any other data set that relates to your area of history. This sort of information can be found in databases and replicated in secondary resources.
Private Papers
If you are researching an individual (or someone who played a prominent role in the area you are focusing on) it is a good idea to see if they have deposited private papers in an archive. These might includes diaries, letters, draft works, or anything else that was kept and not published. These works are normally kept in an archive, so a good starting point is to look at a catalogue that might show where relevant papers are held (such as Archives Hub )
These can include maps, cartoons, paintings and photographs. Images are available both in print and online, but you need to be cautious of the copyright restrictions of images before you use them (check the information given by the source). Some databases will allow you to search images, like ARTstor , so use them as a good starting point for your search.
Audio-Visual
Similarly to images, the University provides access to a variety of audio-visual resources, including interviews, recordings, radio and films. If there is a particular DVD you would like to use, try searching the title in iDiscover. For example, " Interviews with Historians " will take you to a comprehensive collection of DVDs available at the Seeley. Many films are also available online, such as British Pathe .
Organise and Save Your Research
You will be able to do a comprehensive and efficient literature search if you keep a record of what you have read, where you read it and what each item means to your research. The best way to achieve this is to:
1. Record the key ideas, themes and quotes from what you have read. Try to find a uniform way to do this as it will make it easier to find information when you come to write your dissertation. Some formats are freely available on the internet, such as the Cornell Note Taking System .
2. Save citations you have looked at so you do not struggle to find them again. Also, this will help you when you come to do your references. There are many reference managers available to help you store this information and create a fully formatted bibliography.
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Get help with nationals, higher and advanced higher history, advanced higher history.
You can find out more about studying Advanced Higher History – including what the course involves – by selecting these links:
* Advanced Higher History – course summary
* ‘Germany: from democracy to dictatorship’ topic
* Writing the Advanced Higher dissertation
* Exam advice – Advanced Higher
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Some of the 2022 and 2023 past papers are labelled 'modified'. This means SQA made changes to the question paper in response to the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, as part of our modifications to assessment in National Courses. For example, a modified past paper may be shorter, have fewer marks or contain fewer topics than past papers from previous years.
Some of the 2022 past papers are labelled 'modified'. This means SQA made changes to the question paper in response to the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, as part of our modifications to assessment in National Courses. For example, a modified past paper may be shorter, have fewer marks or contain fewer topics than past papers from previous years.
These modifications will stay in place for the 2023 exams.
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Advanced Higher RMPS - project-dissertation
Project-dissertation 2023 (all links open as pdf files), to what extent does aquina's proof from motion prove the existence of god of classical theism.
- Candidate 1 Evidence 2023
To what extent is the Teleological Argument Convincing?
- Candidate 2 Evidence 2023
To what extent does the Kalam Cosmological argument convince us of the existence of God?
- Candidate 3 Evidence 2023
- Candidates 1 to 3 Commentaries 2023
Project-dissertation 2022 (All links open as PDF files)
Euthanasia morally acceptable how far do you agree.
- Candidate 1 Evidence 2022
Who holds moral responsibility over capital punishment?
- Candidate 2 Evidence 2022
To what extent is God responsible for evil and suffering?
- Candidate 3 Evidence 2022
- Candidates 1 to 3 Commentaries 2022
Project-dissertation 2021 (All links open as PDF files)
To what extent can it be argued that religious experience is the best evidence for the existence of god.
- Candidate Evidence 2021
- Commentary 2021
Project-dissertation 2019 (All links open as PDF files)
How convincing is the teleological argument as proof for the existence of god.
- Candidate 1 Evidence
To what extent does the Teleological Argument establish the existence of God?
- Candidate 2 Evidence
Is Aquinas’ Cosmological argument strong enough to prove that God exists?
- Candidate 3 Evidence
To what extent is the concept of God incoherent?
- Candidate 4 Evidence
Is a termination during pregnancy ever morally acceptable?
- Candidate 5 Evidence
A critical evaluation of the moral acceptability of euthanasia.
- Candidate 6 Evidence
Religious experiences are such that they are beyond academic study. To what extent is this a valid assertion?
- Candidate 7 Evidence
Secular perspectives have discredited religious experience. To what extent is this accurate?
- Candidate 8 Evidence
- Candidates 1 to 8 Commentaries
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Find Advanced Higher History past papers, specimen question papers, course specification and subject updates, here. ... Question Paper Source Questions 2020-2021 (493 KB) Dissertation from session 2020-2021 (16 March 2021) Download ; Dissertation Q and A(127 KB) Audio Presentation.
Advanced Higher History - project-dissertation Project-dissertation 2019 (All links open as PDF files) Please note: The following candidate evidence and commentaries should be used alongside the AH Dissertation Webinar 16 March 2021, available from the AH History subject page on the SQA website. Field of study 1 — Northern Britain from the Iron Age to 1034
The new Advanced Higher requires candidates to research and produce a high quality dissertation that is worth 50 marks out of the overall 140 available. The new qualification also requires candidates to carefully record their progress in stages over the session. The teacher is required to check that they have met the historical research ...
very short dissertation of less than 2,000 or 3,000 words would have to be extremely well argued to pass. The word limit for the project-dissertation should be ♦4,000 words (excluding references, bibliography, appendices, etc.). ♦submitted with the completed project- dissertation. ♦included at the bottom of each page then the total
The Advanced Higher History course allows learners to acquire depth in their knowledge and understanding of historical themes, and to develop further the skills of analysing complex historical issues, evaluating sources and drawing conclusions. The course makes a distinctive contribution to the curriculum by engaging in the issues which arise ...
This page can help you with your study for the Advanced Higher exams. You can find suggested revision topics as well as guidance on how to answer all of the different types of exam questions. * How to answer exam questions. * Ideas for ways to revise. * Past Paper questions. Mr Marr's YouTube channel also includes helpful videos which show ...
Introduction to Advanced Higher History: The Advanced Higher History Course 5 1. Part 1 (Historical Issues) is worth 50 marks. You will complete two essays, worth 25 marks each. There will be five essay questions for you to choose from in your field of study. 2. Part 2 (Historical Sources) is worth 40 marks. There will be four sources specific to
It is worth 50 marks - 36% of your overall grade. Exam. For Advanced Higher History, there is a three hour examination which is worth 90 marks overall - 64% of your overall grade. Students are expected to write two 25 mark essays from a choice of five, and answer three source-based questions which are worth a total of 40 marks.
These are some Past Papers from Advanced Higher History. If you try any of the questions, get your teacher to mark them for you. Please note that papers from 2019 and before were run under an old system and so will have some differences from the paper that you will sit in May's exam. * 2023. * 2022. * 2021.
Please note: Following revision to the question paper for session 2019-20, the marks in these examples are no longer in line with the revised requirements. However, the examples remain useful as a guide to the nature of the questions and range of answers. They should be viewed in conjunction with the revised Advanced Higher History Course ...
The best way to achieve this is to: 1. Record the key ideas, themes and quotes from what you have read. Try to find a uniform way to do this as it will make it easier to find information when you come to write your dissertation. Some formats are freely available on the internet, such as the Cornell Note Taking System.
In Advanced Higher the Added Value element is the dissertation. Students select the subject of their dissertation from a topic they have studied in class. It is submitted in April and is marked by the SQA. It is worth 50 marks. Exam For Advanced Higher History there is a three hour examination which is worth 90 marks overall.
Question paper (90 marks ) Project: dissertation (50 marks) Total 140 marks Question paper : Part A: Historical Issues - two 25 mark extended response (essay) ... 11 Sections Advanced Higher History Course Assessment Specification { Advanced Higher 2014-15 New Advanced Higher 2015-16 (1) Northern Britain from the Romans to AD 1000 SECTION 1 ...
In Advanced Higher History, we focus on one topic for the full year in detail- USA "A House Divided", 1850-1865. ... You will have a three hour SQA exam that includes two essays and three source questions. You also have a project dissertation to complete by April of 4000 words looking in depth on an aspect of the course of your choosing.
Higher. Migration and Empire 1830-1939 (Higher) Scottish Wars of Independence, 1249-1328; Britain 1851-1951; Germany 1815-1939; The Cold War, 1945-1989; Higher History Assignment; Higher History exam help; Advanced Higher History. Germany: from democracy to dictatorship, 1918-1939; Historical Research: The Dissertation; Advanced Higher History ...
Project-dissertation 2016 (All links open as PDF files) From session 2019/20 onwards, the word count for the Advanced Higher English project: dissertation will increase to a maximum of 3,500 words (was previously 3,000 words). None of these examples reflect the revised word count however, they all remain valid and continue to exemplify national ...
Specimen question papers are available for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications. These show what a question paper looks like - how it is structured and the types of questions it contains. They also include marking instructions. Find them under 'Past Papers and Marking Instructions' on our NQ subject pages.
Higher ; Advanced Higher . Question paper ; Project-dissertation ; Presentations ; Course Reports ; Additional resources for sessions 2020-22 ; Advanced Higher RMPS - project-dissertation Project-dissertation 2023 (All links open as PDF files) To what extent does Aquina's proof from motion prove the existence of God of Classical Theism?