When writing an essay (like say history), do professors appreciate uncommon topics?

Question

For instance, for my Modern History of China, Japan & Korea class, I'm trying to stay away from the big wars and popular topics like "Samurai/Bushido Warriors"... but I'm wondering if writing a paper the professor has a lot of other papers on the same topic to compare it to would be a good or a bad thing.

PROUD 2B BLONDE: You're a friggin idiot. And reported.

chulita: That's what I thought. On the other hand, not to be arrogant, but I tend to write pretty good, but when compared to other students' papers I look even better because theirs tend to be bad, have horrible grammer, or obviously plagiarized, which is why I was wondering if writing a common topic might be a GOOD thing... but I think you're right.

Also how did you find out what your professors' dissertation was?

Answer 1

It's always good to be different. Imagine reading 20 papers on the same topic. BORING. And if you pick an obscure topic, trust me I was known for this in college and always got As, they professor really won't challenge your facts - as much as one that he is certain of. I always stayed away from topics that the professor had written their dissertation on. Although, in one class I actually was the only person to write an essay that argued against a book that the professor had written. I really did my research for that, and tore his book apart. I also got the only A.

Answer 2

Well, I'm not a professor, but I was a writing tutor for a while. I could always tell when a due date was coming up because all of a sudden I would get paper after paper talking about almost the same thing. I've seen the prompts and with a little thought they could have all had original papers. So yeah, reading the same thing over and over again is hideously tedious, and originality is always welcomed. Just make sure you're giving an original view of the assigned topic. Don't turn in a random (albeit interesting) paper about the time your Uncle Joe wrestled a bear and won.

Good luck

Answer 3

I think professors appreciate your indiviual views on a topic and not parriting back what they say, but some professors want just that a parrot but those are usually the doctrors for some reason anywas you should be able to tell if your professor encourages criticalthinking and makes you come up with your own thesis try not to talk about what was discussed or the same angle eveyone else willtake cause it is safe for example we read about dr.faustus which was in a time and place in history when the protestants were warring with the catholics ,and the renaissance era and changing values so old and new values could be compared and contrasted, and theological views could be cited as this faustus guy,is corrputed by power and sells his soul to the devil it, I found an angle I thought no one would use and defended his integrity by this thesis- this tragic hero fearlessly thinks,acts, and lives for himself rather than some invisible personified god who is served by men more evil than him ,like the pope;the character is a heretical man of great integrity used by marlowe as a literary device to objectively explore the darker side of human nature. so I say he has integrity cause he did not betray his heretical character while the whole class is writing about his lack of integrity, I got an a+ ,good luck

Answer 4

If you have an interesting and relevant topic I would love to read something different and unique! When there are many spins on the same topic it gets old and I find myself not reading the papers as carefully as I would if I am truly interested because it is something new that I need to pay more attention to.

(Not that I really ignore the papers when they come in, but anyone can find material on the "popular topics" and it shows initiative when someone goes beyond the usual)

Answer 5

Yes, usually. Professors are usually quite bored with reading student papers. Fresh topics are welcome!

However, I recommend that if you are unsure, you stop by during your professor's conference hours or just after class and tell him/her what you are planning to write about and see if he/she thinks it is a good idea. Professors also appreciate students who take an interest in and care about their work enough to ask about it.

Answer 6

Talk about Communism or Democracy in those regions starting after WWII. Its 20th century history dealing with china, japan & korea. It would be a breath of fresh air for the professor

Answer 7

Well, if I were a professor, I would like a change after reading and grading the same subject. So I highly encourage you do write it on a different subject; it is a good thing.

Answer 8

When writing essays it's better to focus on a very specific aspect of a specific event. If your uncommon topic is broad then i suggest not writing about it. If it's very focused such as the "evolution of x over a period of y time"...then your paper will be much more interesting and rich in relevant details.

Answer 9

They would like you to be different. They have to read all of those papers and it gets boring reading the same thing over and over. They will appreciate it.

Answer 10

If i am your professor, i will appreciate that.... i am a professor which encouraged students to explore their imagination and creativity.... i hate conventional topics...... its boring to readwhen i check it... i want to read interesting topics...........