Part 1
The Topic Assignment
You will need to provide a written description of your topic – a minimum of one paragraph, or 4 to 6 well-written sentences. When describing your topic please be as specific and detailed as possible. Additionally, you will need to include 3 to 4 questions about your topic that you hope to address during the course of your research (these questions are in addition to the 4 to 6 sentences describing your topic).
In order to complete this assignment it will be necessary for you to become familiar with your topic – that familiarity will allow you to define your research focus and begin to formulate good questions. I recommend that you begin the research process by locating your topic in any number of encyclopedias (Encyclopedia Britannica and Microsoft Encarta contain articles that are well-written and accurate), and then expanding your search to include Google and your home college’s library catalog. You might also peruse the collection of web sites (arranged by Unit and topic) located within the Web Resources page, which is found under the Course Tools Menu. These initial steps in the research process will allow you to identify the key questions/issues other historians have raised with regard to your topic, as well as the types and number of sources available to you for research.
Part 2
This part is designed for you to practice research on the web and locate Primary and Secondary Sources for your topic. Additionally we are exploring several course competencies including acquiring information, breaking multiple sources down into parts, use library resources, recognize secondary sources, and locate specific primary sources.
Tasks:
1. Be sure you understand the difference between Primary Sources and Secondary Sources when researching history by visiting the resources page and visiting websites that describe the difference. Here is one resource http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/education/008-3010-e.html or take a quiz at http://agora.virtualmuseum.ca/edu/ViewLoitLo.do?method=preview&lang=EN&id=350
2. Use the topic you have chosen for your final research paper
3. Search your textbook, class resources, the internet and the Library for the following that relates to that term (you will need 10 for full credit)
1. Map
2. Video Clip
3. Audio Clip
4. Photograph
5. Government document
6. Letter written by someone related to the term
7. Diary written by someone related to the term
8. Newspaper Article
9. History Journal Article
10. Web Article
11. Glossary or Wikipedia type definition of term
12. Picture of artifact
13. Artwork related to term
14. Novel or short story
15. Textbook Reference
16. Museum Exhibit
17. Memorial
18. Picture (painting or other depiction of building, town, people) related to topic
19. Modern movie made about term
4. Post to the Dropbox the following
1. one-paragraph description of the paper topic describing who, what, where, when, and historical significance of the term (more than three or four sentences).
2. your list of sources with a brief description of what you found at each source and how it relates to the term (Three or four sentences per source)
3. whether you think each web source is a primary source or secondary source.
