The project work, an extended essay, is a compulsory part of SF2725 (7.5hp). If you do not want to do a project work, you should register for SF2719 (6hp) instead. It is not possible to change this in retrospect.

The project is graded on a scale of 0-10, 10 being the best. You need to have at least 4 points in the project to pass the course; then, the final grade is computed from the weighted average with 25% project and 75% course work/exam.

Further down in this module you will find a list of all choosable project topics. These are questions of varying character, so it is a good idea to read all project descriptions early on. You can also suggest an own topic, in discussion with me.

On September 24, you will choose your topic. Everybody has to write on a different topic, which is why you can specify a first, second, and third choice, and I will distribute the essays shortly afterwards. The deadline for turning in the essays is October 26.

One week after choosing a topic, you will meet with me to discuss your plan for the project work. I expect you to have done a preliminary literature search and come up with some ideas on what you want to discuss in the essay in more detail.

If you turn in a preliminary version of your essay by October 15 (last class), I will read it and give you feedback, personally or in writing. I strongly recommend that you take advantage of this.

Rules for the extended essay:

It should not be longer than 4000 words.
Every essay, even if the question does not state this explicitly, should contain the search, reading, and analysis of at least one original historical text (or a translation thereof).
The project questions are intentiously posed in an open way. It is part of the project work to make the questions more concrete and specialized in an interesting way.
All sources (primary or secondary) must be cited adequately, even if you are not citing verbatim but only paraphrasing.
All of your claims must be supported. Claims of others must be dealt with in a critical way.

I will use the following grading critera for your essay:

The originality and quality of the arguments (40%): How relevant and interesting are the questions you are asking, how well can you support your argumentation with your sources?
Structure of the essay (20%): How logically is your essay structured and how easy is it to follow and understand?
Source selection (20%): Did you find relevant original texts and secondary literature to support (or maybe even contradict) your argument?
Language and style (10%).
Formal correctness (10%): This includes spelling, punctuation, and complete citations. You do not need to follow any particular citation style as long as you are consistent.