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4th Quarter Research: You are responsible for producing up to 3500 words (not including works cited) of original research on a topic of European History from the beginning of the 20th century to the present. Your research paper must meet the criteria presented in the Research Writing Rubric. It must be thesis driven, rely on primary source documentation for support of general arguments and display a depth of understanding of your chosen topic. You are highly encouraged to seek guidance and/or feedback early in the writing process. If you do not seek approval for your topic you are taking a chance that it will not meet the broad criteria! I will not meet with students to discuss papers after May 31st. Previous years' topics (ideas for research). History Through the Lens How is war portrayed through the lens? How has this evolved over the past century? Primary source v. historical documentary? Historical Fiction? This project should include both written analysis and a portfolio or display component of the material analyzed. Literature War and literature have always been intertwined. History authors have increasingly focused on the conflict from the perspective of the individual citizens and soldiers as opposed to the Big Picture (Stephen Ambrose, David McCullough, Ken Burns, etc.). How have individual soldiers contributions in the fields of literature contributed to our understanding, ability to empathize, and view war as a historian? What unique elements does the study of this genre provide for a historian? Art in the 20th Century What role has art played in recent European history? How has art evolved? What elements of society are reflected in the art you select? Movements such as the Dadaism, Expressionism, Fauvism and Surrealism, or applications, such as propaganda, could be the focus of your work. Europe and Islam Can the Two Coexist? Trace the history of Europe and Islam from the Middle Ages to the present. Given this history and the recent Global War on Terror, can Europe and Islam coexist? The fact is that Europe Muslim population today is growing, but what changes will this growth bring? Research the issue and the effects it is having in Great Britain, France, Germany and the Netherlands. A New Rise of the Right Does Europe face a real threat of a new Rise of the Right. Why have extreme right views gained traction in many parts of Europe? Is this really a threat or just growing pains as Europe expands and seeks to redefine its position in a global market? Oral History Project You may utilize the Veterans History Project website as a basis for your oral history project (http://www.loc.gov/vets/). However, your subject must pertain directly to European history. This would include but is not limited to any veterans who served in Europe, individuals who experienced the Cold War from a European perspective, or who otherwise lived or experienced any significant European history. You subject cannot be grandmas accounts of life on the US homefront during WWII. You must include: 1) Audio or video transcript of your interviews. 2) Transcripts of all interview questions 3) 3500 word narrative history based on your interview material but also including: a - additional background research and explanation, b- interview reflection addressing each of the following: -Why do historians today place such an emphasis on recording individual stories and accounts of personal experiences? -What did you learn about history that you did not learn about through class or your readings? -Why do you think individual histories are so important in really understanding broader historical events? -What aspect(s) of recording an oral history did you find most challenging? -What did you find most interesting about your subjects story? -Did anything surprise you? -What would you do differently if you were to approach this task again? -Please contribute any additional comments, thoughts or insights. All projects are due June 3rd!!!!! |