Thesis Guide for the Master of Arts in History

 

The thesis represents the culmination of a student’s training and research in history at the master’s level and is required for completion of the M.A. degree. It is crucial that students have a clear understanding of the nature of a thesis in history as well as of the process by which they conduct the writing, research, and proper submission of the thesis in order for it to be accepted by the History Department and the University of New Orleans. Students should read this handbook carefully and keep a copy to consult as they progress toward completion of the thesis.

What is a Thesis?

A thesis directly addresses a topic that advances our understanding and knowledge of history and does not closely follow or duplicate the work of any other scholar. It should demonstrate a student’s ability to analyze and synthesize sources and to formulate a coherent and convincing argument. While in many cases the research for a thesis draws mainly on primary documentation, a thesis topic that is principally historiographical or that addresses and seeks to resolve a particular scholarly problem or debate may rely more heavily on secondary materials than primary ones. A thesis may also be a documentary editing project in which a student transcribes or translates and annotates a significant primary source.

 

The first generation of electric streetcars pass in front of the St. Charles Hotel in 1901. This was the last year of integrated seating on New Orleans public transit. Segregation of passengers was instituted by state legislation in 1902, and it remained in effect until June 1958. Library of Congress.