- The historiography (general descriptor) of a topic is the sum total of the interpretations of a specific topic written by past and current historians.
- For example: "The historiography of the decision to use the atomic bomb on Hiroshima changed over the years as new research questioned the former consensus view that the decision to drop the atomic bomb was predicated on the necessity to save American lives."
- A historiography (noun) or historiographical paper is an analysis of the interpretations of a specific topic written by past historians.
- For Example:" a historiography identifies influential thinkers and reveals the shape of the scholarly debate on a particular subject.
Where does a historiography go?
- A historiography can be a stand-alone paper, in which case your paper examines the work completed by other historians.
- Alternately, a historiography can act as an introduction to a major research paper, in which you will go on to add your own analysis.
A good historiography does the following:
- Points out influential books and papers shaped the field of study.
- Shows which scholars were most effective in changing the scope of the debate.
- Describes the current trends in the field of study
- Allows the writer to position themselves in the field for their analysis.