Research Project-I (B.A History)

A short field or archival research project on a historical theme with a written report.

6 MonthsDuration 5Chapters23Topics

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Syllabus · पाठ्यक्रम

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01Milestone 1: Introduction to Historical Research 4 topics

Meaning and nature of historical research
Primary and secondary sources
Archival, field and oral-history methods
Plagiarism and research ethics

02Milestone 2: Topic Selection and Synopsis 5 topics

Choosing a local or regional topic (temple, ghat, fort, freedom fighter, fair, craft)
Review of literature
Aim, objectives and research questions
Methodology and chapter plan
Submitting the synopsis to the supervisor

03Milestone 3: Data Collection and Field Work 5 topics

Visiting archives, libraries and museums
Reading inscriptions, gazetteers and old records
Interviews and questionnaires for oral history
Photographs and field notes
Note-taking and source cards

04Milestone 4: Report Writing 5 topics

Structure - introduction, chapters, conclusion
Analysing and interpreting sources
Footnotes and references
Bibliography and appendices
Formatting as per university guidelines

05Milestone 5: Presentation and Viva 4 topics

Preparing a short presentation
Answering viva questions
Self-assessment and feedback
Plan for continuation in Research Project-II

About

You will be able to

Choose a researchable historical topic of local or regional importance
Distinguish primary and secondary sources and collect them from archives, libraries, inscriptions and oral history
Prepare a synopsis with aim, objectives, research questions and methodology
Take notes, cite sources and prepare a bibliography in a standard format
Write a short project report and present it in a viva

Who it is for

B.A History students of Semester 5 (UP state universities, NEP 2020 syllabus)
Students who need guidance on their first research or field project

What you need

B.A Semesters 1-4 in History
Ability to visit a local library, archive, museum or heritage site

Questions

Which guidelines are followed?

The NEP 2020 research project guidelines of UP state universities. Where your university's format differs, the centre follows your own university's guidelines.

Will the centre choose my topic?

No, the student chooses the topic; the trainer helps narrow it and prepare the synopsis, and the college supervisor gives final approval.

Is a field visit compulsory?

A small field, museum or archive visit is strongly advised; library-based topics are allowed if the supervisor agrees.

Does Project-I continue in Semester 6?

Usually yes, Research Project-II in Semester 6 completes the same work as a dissertation.