- Use Past Tense: When writing about the past always use past tense. History has already happened! Andrew Carnegie is dead and therefore he does not “want” something, he “wanted” something!
- Addressing Historical Figures: Always introduce historical figures the first time with their full name and title and then refer to them by last name after that. For example, the first time I mention George Washington I would say, “George Washington, first President of the United States…” after that I would refer to him as simply “Washington” not as “George.” He is not our friend George; he is the historical figure Washington.
- Years in writing: If you are writing about the 1800s or 1900s there does not need to be an apostrophe before the s. Write 1920s not 1920’s. 1920s is not possessive – it does not own anything! Also, 1700s = 18th c., 1800s = 19th c., 1900s = 20th c.; 2000s = 21st c.! Although at first glance you might think the 1900s were the 19th century, they are not! The first century included the years 1-99 and therefore the years 100-199 are the 2nd century, the years 200-299 are the 3rd century, the years 300-399 are the 4th c., and so on!
- Generalizations: Be very careful when using generalizations! Words like “all, none, always, never, everybody, nobody, and universally” tend to make whatever follows a fallacy. There are some exceptions, for example ALL societies have culture, but most of the time generalizations are false.
- Avoid Vague Statements: When writing do not tell the reader “conditions changed” or “something happened;” tell them what changed or what happened! Likewise, try not to start a sentence with words like “This.” Do not write, “This did little for the people.” Tell the reader what did little for the people!
- Be specific: When you are writing be sure to describe your subject and give details. Do not write for me, a historian, write for everyone and assume they do not know the subject!
- Support your Argument: When writing about history you will need to make assertions about the people, places, and/or events of the past. Be confident and assert your understanding of the topic and support what you say by using the textbook, lecture, and/or documents.
For example – While there is some debate over the level of knowledge of the German people during the Holocaust, evidence clearly shows that Hitler’s Mein Kampf, which foreshadowed the Final
Solution, was widely read in the years prior to the Holocaust. (Shirer, Rise and Fall of the Third Reich)
- Using Quotes: Quotations should be used sparingly but when used they should be tied into the text to support the argument. Make sure quotes are relevant to the discussion and/or are worked into the flow of the writing rather than standing alone. Do not use quotes as independent sentences.
- Using the Documents: I do not mean to be rude, but I can tell when you do not read the documents! Do not use large words or pontificate on random topics thinking that I will not recognize that you are attempting to sound intellectual while not actually having read the documents!
- Citations: All references to, not just quotations from, the documents, textbook, documentaries, or outsides resources should be cited as required by the assignment. If words and/or ideas are not cited they are considered plagiarized.
