For your final assessment in this course, you will complete a project that explores the historical roots and parallels of a current event by drawing connections to a significant event in U.S. history between 1877 and the present. This project challenges you to think critically about continuity and change over time, and to apply your historical knowledge to contemporary issues in a meaningful way. You will begin by selecting a current event or issue from the past two years that has clear relevance to American society. This could relate to politics, social justice, economics, environmental issues, healthcare, foreign policy, or another area that interests you. Once you have chosen a contemporary topic, you will identify a historical event, movement, or development from 1877 to the present that you believe is meaningfully connected. Your goal is to examine the historical context of the earlier event, analyze how it relates to your current issue, and reflect on how understanding the past can inform our interpretation of the present. Your project must address the following core questions: What is the current event, and why is it significant? What is the historical event, and what was its broader historical context? What are the parallels or contrasts between the two? How has the historical event influenced the present situation, and what lessons might we draw from the past? You are required to use a minimum of three scholarly sources to support your historical analysis. These may include peer-reviewed journal articles, academic books, or primary sources such as speeches, letters, and government documents. You are also encouraged to use reputable news sources for information about your current event. All sources should be properly cited in MLA, APA, or Chicago style, and a bibliography must be included with your submission. This project is worth 100 points and will be assessed according to your clarity in explaining both events, the strength and originality of your historical analysis, the effective use of scholarly sources, your creativity and clarity of presentation, the proper use of citations, and the depth of your reflection on the connection between past and present. Students are encouraged to choose topics that genuinely interest them and to approach the project with both curiosity and critical thinking. By the end of this assignment, you should have a deeper appreciation for how history shapes the present—and how understanding the past can empower us to engage more thoughtfully with today’s most pressing issues. Submission Options Option 1: PowerPoint Presentation -Minimum of five slides. -Include both text and visuals. -Speaker notes or a narrative should provide a detailed explanation. -Use APA, MLA, or Chicago citation style (History majors are encouraged to use Chicago Style). Option 2: Video Presentation -Length: 3-5 minutes. -Incorporate relevant visuals (artifact images, diagrams, historical maps, etc.). -Ensure clear audio and smooth presentation. -Use APA, MLA, or Chicago citation style (History majors are encouraged to use Chicago Style). Option 3: Written Paper -Minimum 3 pages (not including title page and bibliography). -Formatting: Double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-pt font. Include a title page with name, course title, instructor’s name, and date. Clearly structured with an introduction, body, and conclusion. -Use APA, MLA, or Chicago citation style (History majors are encouraged to use Chicago Style). |