Project: Multimedia Presentation

Overview

Your final longer term assignment in this course is to complete a multimedia presentation. The work you did on the topic exploration worksheet in Theme 1 and the research plan and introduction in Theme 3 will directly support your work on this project.

One of the prime benefits of studying history is that it allows us to learn about who we are and where we came from. The people and events of the past can often shed light on the conditions and social norms of the present. Having historical awareness can inform various aspects of your life as well as future aspirations. Learning from past failures and successes can shape ideals and values for years to come.

This is your final longer term project designed to help you understand the fundamental processes and value of studying history. In the first project, you completed the Topic Exploration Worksheet on one of the topics or themes from the research kit. You investigated the types of research you might need to do to learn more about the topic and developed research questions. In Project 2, you used this worksheet to complete a research plan and introduction. You selected one of your research questions and did some secondary source research, speculated on primary source needs, and used the information to write the introduction and thesis statement for a possible research paper.

In the third project, you will create a multimedia presentation that explores both major developments in historical inquiry as well as the value of examining history.

This assessment addresses the following course outcomes:

- Investigate major developments in the progression of historical inquiry for informing critical questions related to historical narrative
- Articulate the value of examining historical events for their impact on contemporary issues

Prompt

Now that you have done some research with primary and secondary sources (using only the sources provided in the research kit for your chosen topic) and written an introduction for a possible history paper, you will turn your attention to thinking about the creation and value of historical inquiry. You will use the research you have done throughout this course, as well as course materials, to inform your thoughts. To present your opinions and observations, you will create a multimedia presentation (using a presentation tool such as PowerPoint or Prezi) that addresses the following critical elements. While these questions may seem "big," remember that you are addressing them in a presentation, not a paper, and can use bullet points, visuals, or other methods. These critical elements will be evaluated from the information you provide in your multimedia presentation of 10-12 slides. Note: If using Prezi, be sure to include a word document with notes. If using PowerPoint, be sure to use the speaker notes feature.

Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed:

I. Articulate how different historical lenses impact how people perceive an historical event.

A. Explain how historical lenses could be applied to your topic. For instance, are there aspects of this event that might interest a political historian and what are they?

B. Choose one of the lenses referenced above, and detail how the historical narrative you started in your research and introduction might change through this lens. For instance, how might the "story" of your event change when studied through its political aspects?

C. Discuss what conclusions you can draw about the "telling" of history in relation to the "teller." How does this impact for you what "history" is? Be sure to back up your opinions with information learned throughout the course.

II. Based on your conclusions, articulate the value of studying history.

A. Describe how you could apply to our lives today what you have learned from the event you have studied. Be sure to reference specific contemporary issues. For instance, what specific issues that we encounter today could benefit from lessons learned from your event?

B. Discuss your opinion of the adage that "history repeats itself." Do you agree or disagree? Be sure to explain why you have this opinion with information you have learned throughout the course.

C. Discuss your obligation as a citizen of your society to understanding the history behind issues that impact you every day. For instance, what civic duties you can be better at if you know more about their history? How can being a more informed member of society benefit you and society?