The first essay is easy. Your primary objective is to write up a description of your research topic, and summarize the relevant question and problem for your research.

You do not need to write a formal “essay.” Instead, you should have six short sections (typically 1-2 paragraphs each) that address the following things:

Your main research question or problem. (typically 1 paragraph)

A coherent description and discussion of your topic (Who is impacted? Why? How? etc.); and, where you intend to take your research. (typically 2-3 paragraphs)

The relevant geographic, historical, and disciplinary contexts that you plan to address in your research. (typically 1 paragraph – but a substantive one)

A summary and discussion of the primary sources that you intend to address in your research. (typically 1-2 paragraphs)

A summary and discussion of relevant secondary sources that you plan to address in your research. (typically 1-2 paragraphs)

Next steps. Looking ahead to the historical discussion (essay 2), the current debate (essay 3), and the final argument essay, where do you see your topic heading. (typically 1-2 paragraphs)

This essay is not a fully formed argument or analysis and it does not require a thesis (however, you can suggest different thesis options that you are considering).