How much historiography should I bring into my answers?

This depends on the question that you have to answer. Coursework tends to be more historiography heavy, since the presumption is that you've had the time to read a variety of primary and secondary sources to get a feel of current debates, and the evidence to analyse them. That being said, bringing it into your longer exam essays is a great way to elevate your answer to higher levels. Here are just a few ways to bring in those other opinions that might be helpful:

  1. Use it to set up an argument you want to challenge. I.e. "Whilst intentionalists like Goldhagen state...I, however..."

  2. Evaluate the terms of the question you have been set by theoretically picking apart specific terms: I.e. What is nationalism? What is gender? How does the state function? History rests on assumptions, and challenging those underpinnings in a way that shifts the debate is a great way to elevate your answer.

Answered by Patrick N. History tutor

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