Research Project

General Description and Guidelines

SS3230/5600

2007

This is an attempt to guide the development and production of research projects for students in The Archaeology of Industry.  It is NOT a simple formula,  “how-to” 

prescription, partly because the range  of projects and approaches precludes simple directions.  Rather, it suggests the types of methods and materials that are desirable for successful completion of the assignment; it provides some guidance on format, as well as substance; and, it presents some ideas for a meaningful presentation. 

First, keep in mind the journalistic formula discussed in class: WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, HOW, and WHY?  Be sure to cover these questions at minimum. 

While pursuing your research, take notes not only on substance, but also on sources.  Any successful research undertaking, in the archives, the field, or the laboratory, must be thoroughly documented.  An interested party should be able to retrace your steps, to recheck your sources, or to replicate your  experiments.  In order to make your case credible, you must provide references.  In this exercise, take notes AS YOU READ, and be sure to note the sources of your information.  It is always harder to backtrack and reconstruct sources after the fact, take my word for it!  Your research project for this class  (as in other classes and your work life) requires a complete bibliography.  You may use the format provided in the Bluff Furnace book, or if your professional field uses a different format, that will be OK.

Sometimes we fail to find everything that we’d like about our topic of interest.  It is useful and desirable to document the dead ends, as well as the successes.  Let us know where you looked and struck out. 

Many researchers find it useful to employ note cards to record and organize their work.  These cards can include such variables as dates, source types, and references that can be used to cross-index, organize, and reshuffle data before preparing a final report.  You can use paper cards, or a digital format. 

Illustrations are crucial for IA projects.  At minimum, you need maps to locate your subject area.  If your project includes a component of land use history, you need to include one or more layouts, such as Sanborn  Insurance maps, that show the subject area and its relationship to other features.  It may be critical to include a series of maps that show change over time.  If your project focuses on equipment, machinery, or facilities, drawings that provide construction details, as designed and/or as existing, will be critical.  

Historic photographs are often powerful elements of a good project. 

Scheduling: Please tentatively identify your project focus to me by Tuesday October 23.  I encourage you to arrange a 15-30 minute appointment with me to discuss your ideas. 

Outline sources and approach by Thursday November 8. Turn in 1-2 page outline that lists your key source materials, such as  Quincy Mining Company Collection, MTU Archives: Blacksmith Shop Account  books, Rental records, and an outline of what you hope to accomplish in the project. 

Draft Reports should be turned in by Thursday November 29.  This is to insure that you are heading in the right direction, getting the work accomplished in advance of the presentation deadlines at the end of the semester.