Most of our students engage in some form a sustained historical research, often culminating in a senior project. We encourage all interested students to consult with their advisor and apply for funding through the Â鶹´«Ã½ Summer Undergraduate Research Program. To compliment and supplant that funding, the Department also directs its students to the following sources.
Iberian Grant
Established in 1988 as the result of a generous gift from a distinguished alumna of the college, the Iberian Grant has provided the opportunity for one student each summer to pursue an independent research project in Spain or Portugal.
Westergaard Student Research Grants
Rising senior history majors concentrating in European history are eligible to apply for research grants for travel to libraries or archives in Europe in preparation for their senior thesis. These selective grants of up to $3,000 each are intended for targeted short-term visits (approximately 1-3 weeks) and may cover travel, lodging and board, and research expenses. Students are expected to have completed preliminary secondary research on their topic, to have identified specific holdings, collections, archives etc. that they want to consult in Europe, and to have research competency in the appropriate language(s). The number of grants awarded each year will depend on student demand and available funds.
In consultation with their advisor, applicants should submit a research proposal that includes: a statement of the topic and research questions; an explanation of the relationship between the project and existing scholarship; a description of the specific libraries, archives, or materials to be consulted, as well as their likely relevance for the project; a description of the preparatory work already completed on the project (including independent work, relevant courses, consultations with faculty members etc.); description of language competence; a working bibliography of secondary sources; and a detailed budget.
Submit applications to the History Department by November 14, 2014 (for Winter Break) or April 10, 2015 (for Summer Break).
Latin American History Research Grants
Rising senior history majors concentrating in Latin American and Caribbean history are eligible to apply for research grants for travel to libraries or archives in Latin America or the Caribbean in preparation for their senior thesis. These selective grants of up to $2,500 each are intended for targeted, short-term visits (approximately 2-4 weeks) and may cover travel, lodging and board, and research expenses. Students are expected to have completed preliminary secondary research on their topic, to have identified specific holdings, collections, archives that they want to consult in Latin America or the Caribbean, and to have research competency in the appropriate language(s). The number of grants awarded each year will depend on student demand and available funds.
Interested students should submit a proposals which includes: a statement of the topic and research questions; an explanation of the relationship between the project and existing scholarship; a description of the specific libraries, archives, or materials to be consulted, as well as their likely relevance for the project; a description of the preparatory work already completed on the project (including independent work, relevant courses, consultations with faculty members etc.); description of language competence; a working bibliography of secondary sources; and a detailed budget.
Questions and proposals can be submitted to Professor Miguel Tinker Salas.
American History Research Grants
The department also has a limited amount of funds to support focused research in any area of American history. This includes interdisciplinary research that pays significant attention to American history (e.g., research on American literature or on the American economy that has an historical dimension); or comparative or Western hemispheric studies that address aspects of American history. The proposals will be judged on the interest, significance, and originality of the proposed research; the clarity, specificity, and practicality of the research plan; the extent of research in original sources; and the likelihood that the research will result in a significant contribution, such as a senior honors thesis, a substantial research paper, a documentary film or some other appropriate form of expression.
For more information, visit the History Department main office in Mason 120.