Conducting Research and Writing

Students should have gained a good understanding of the techniques of conducting research during the course work that they have already completed. They should confer regularly with their thesis advisors regarding the progress of research and, in particular, any specific problems they have encountered or any assistance they may need in gaining access to archival or other collections. Normally students prepare successive drafts of a thesis.

A completed thesis in history at UNO should be a focused and polished piece of work no more than 35 to 40 pages in length, including notes and bibliography. Notes and bibliography should be prepared according to the Chicago Manual of Style. Students must also obtain and follow the university guidelines for the final version of the thesis. A completed thesis should be the equivalent of a scholarly article for an academic journal.

Horses and carriages in front of the original St. Charles Hotel. Circa 1867. Library of Congress.