Writing Tips for the Undergraduate Archival Research Project Prize, Part I

Want to better your chances at winning up to $2500? Learn how you can improve your submission to the Libraries’ second annual Undergraduate Archival Research Project Prize, a prize awarded to the best scholarly work that uses primary sources and presents a significant and well-researched analysis on a historical topic. Projects will be judged on their clarity of focus, originality of argument and historical analysis, relevancy and comprehension of applied primary sources, and contribution to their related field of study.

Part 1 of this workshop will address the basics of developing a strong thesis and help you clarify your point of view through storytelling exercises. Bring your thesis statement for practice (optional)!

Note that participation in this workshop will earn you an extra point toward your submission.

A Part II of this workshop will be held on Thursday, February 26.

This workshop is hybrid (in person at University Libraries and online over Zoom) and geared toward Northwestern students. A Northwestern Zoom account is required to access the online session. Anyone is welcome to the in-person session.

The workshop presenters are TBD.

Northwestern University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all events and programs. Accommodations such as sign language interpreters and accessible presentation materials in alternate formats are provided upon request. Please contact Anne Sticksel at amsticksel@northwestern.edu or 847-491-2922 by Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Every reasonable effort will be made to implement accommodations in an effective and timely manner.