333 Tips

1. Pick a topic that you are genuinely interested in. I cannot emphasize how important this is! Don’t stress over being unique––the lens through which you present your topic is so much more important than the topic itself. The 333, at its core, is an incredible learning experience. You have the opportunity to learn as much as you want on a topic you love with endless resources at your disposal; make the most of it.

2. Keep an open mind and read, read, read—read about your topic, events related to your topic, primary sources, secondary sources––as much as possible. Follow up on any details that pique your interest. Try not to begin the process with one particular thesis in mind. Evidence that contradicts what you might expect is just as valuable as evidence that supports. My thesis ended up being the opposite of what I would have expected and it was the best thing that could have happened to my paper. If you do your research properly, you probably will not end up using most of what you find.

3. JStor and other archives of periodicals are your best friend for research projects. If a secondary source quotes a voice from the time period you are researching, look up the name and topic on one of the many databases the library offers. The chances that you’ll find the actual primary source are very high. Also, don’t be scared to use microfilm!

4. The librarians are amazing! Never hesitate to reach out to any of them for help. They’re all so friendly and knowledgeable and were an absolutely incredible resource when I was doing research.

5. Note-taking tips: Organize your notes by themes or ideas rather than by source. This will help you when it’s finally time to decide what your thesis will be. Do make sure to keep track of the page number and source name from where your evidence was gathered. Make a list of fascinating quotes or stories you find; these will make great narratives that you can use to begin your paper.