Generic Outline for a Historical Essay

I encourage outlining early in the research process in order to guide research as well as writing. The basic elements in the outline of a historical essay are generic. This outline works. Fill in the details as they develop for your project.

Introduction	Lead	The lead captures the interest of the reader, commonly using one of two formulae	From the general to the specific (open with general importance of the subject, then zoom in on your particular topic)
			In medias res—begin in the middle of things (start with an incident from your narrative, then broaden out from that symbolic incident to show general importance)
	Thesis	A declarative statement of the main finding of the paper
Background	Flash back and broaden out to give the reader background necessary for understanding your story and analysis
Body	Organize this main body of your paper in one of two ways	Chronological	Writing is mainly narrative, with elements of exposition inserted where needed
		Topical	Writing is mainly expository, with elements of narrative introduced for illustration and interest
Conclusion	Confirmation of thesis	Avoid summary, but be sure the reader is reminded of the thesis, and that you have supported it
	Contribution to historical knowledge	Show how your findings dispute, confirm, support, disprove, or qualify what other historians have said on the subject—relate your findings to the secondary literature—crucial element!
	So what?	In the end, why should we care? Who, other than specialized scholars, will have an interest in your findings? Generally, the key to this section is to identify the memory groups with a stake in the subject and address them.

Hardhat History