History

Keep some things in mind when selecting a topic:

1. Pick a topic that is of interest to you. You might as well enjoy it.
2. Research is a process, and the hardest part is often deciding what to write, therefore...
3. Before committing to a topic, do a preliminary search to make sure there is material available on the subject and that you can complete the assignment in the time allotted.
4. Be flexible: during the research process, you may find it necessary to broaden or narrow the topic. A well-defined question/issue/problem will need to be identified and answered for most upper-division research papers.
5. Avoid topics that may be sensationalist or inappropriate for the college level. You may be fascinated by Vlad the Impaler, but it will be difficult to identify a historical question or issue on the subject which would satisfy your professor.
6. Make sure your topic fits the parameters of the assignment.