His 100 Project 1 Topic Exploration Worksheet Guidelines
His 100 Project 1 Topic Exploration Worksheet Guidelines And Rubricov
His 100 Project 1: Topic Exploration Worksheet Guidelines and Rubric Overview “If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday.” —Pearl Buck Your first project in this course is to complete a topic exploration worksheet. The work you do on this topic exploration worksheet will directly support your work on two other projects—a research plan and introduction and a multimedia presentation—that are due later in the course. 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. In this course, there are three longer-term projects that will help you understand the fundamental processes and value of studying history. In the first project, you will choose a topic that is interesting to you from the options provided, complete a topic exploration worksheet that asks you to break down the event, investigate the types of research you might need to do to learn more about it, and develop research questions. Please note: You can choose a topic outside of the options provided with permission from your instructor. In the second project, you will use this worksheet to complete a research plan and introduction.
You will choose one of your research questions and do some secondary source research (using the sources provided in the library guide or resources you locate yourself), speculate on primary-source needs, and use the information to write the introduction and thesis statement for a possible research paper. (The entire paper is not completed—just the introduction). 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 topic exploration worksheet assignment will assess the following course outcome, which you focused on throughout Theme 1: develop questions about foundational historical events that inform personal assumptions, beliefs, and values using evidence from primary and secondary sources.
Prompt Choose one of the provided topics that intrigues you. You can find more information about each topic in the library guide. Answer the questions in the Topic Exploration Worksheet template. You will do some preliminary research on your topic, as well as create a plan for what else you might need to learn. Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed:
- Describe what you already knew about the topic prior to this course, based on your personal history or experiences. This may include assumptions, biases, beliefs, or values related to the topic. Be as detailed as possible.
- What questions do you still have about the topic that you would like to explore? From these questions, identify two questions about the topic that you would like to explore further in this course. Be sure to address why these questions are important to you personally and to society.
- Identify which secondary sources would help you address these questions.
- Identify which primary sources would help you address these questions.
- Based on this research of your topic, detail what you have learned about it.
Project 1 Rubric Guidelines for Submission: Type your responses directly into the Topic Exploration Worksheet template and submit your completed worksheet to Brightspace for grading. Critical Elements Exemplary (100%) Proficient (85%) Needs Improvement (55%) Not Evident (0%) Value Already Know Meets “Proficient” criteria and details provided demonstrate insight into the topic Describes what was already known about topic in detail Describes what was already known about topic but is cursory Does not describe what was already known about topic 19
Identify Two Questions Meets “Proficient” criteria and connections to personal and societal importance demonstrate insight into the topic Identifies two questions about the topic, explaining why these questions are personally and societally important Identifies two questions about the topic but does not explain the personal and societal importance, or explanation is cursory or has inaccuracies Does not identify two questions about the topic 19
Secondary Sources Meets “Proficient” criteria and range of sources demonstrates a strong grasp of the information needed Lists the secondary sources needed to help address the questions Lists the secondary sources but list is cursory or some sources listed are not secondary Does not list secondary sources 19
Primary Sources Meets “Proficient” criteria and range of sources demonstrates a strong grasp of the information needed Lists the primary sources needed to help address the questions Lists the primary sources but list is cursory or some sources listed are not primary Does not list primary sources 19
Learned Meets “Proficient” criteria and research used demonstrates an insight into the topic Details what student has learned about topic based on research Details what student has learned about the topic but does not rely on research, or is cursory or has inaccuracies Does not detail what student has learned about the topic 19
Articulation of Response Submission is free of errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, and organization and is presented in a professional and easy-to-read format Submission has no major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization Submission has major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization that negatively impact readability and articulation of main ideas Submission has critical errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization that prevent understanding of ideas 5 Total 100%
Paper For Above instruction
The first project in this history course emphasizes the importance of engaging critically with historical topics through thorough exploration and reflection. The assignment involves completing a topic exploration worksheet that serves as a foundational step for subsequent projects—a research plan with an introduction and a multimedia presentation. The purpose of this exercise is to cultivate a deeper understanding of historical events by examining personal biases, forming pertinent questions, identifying relevant sources, and synthesizing preliminary findings.
Before initiating research, students are required to reflect on their prior knowledge regarding their chosen topic. This involves detailing assumptions, biases, beliefs, or values shaped by personal history or experiences. For example, someone might consider their cultural background, education, or personal encounters with related subjects and how these influence their perceptions of the topic. Recognizing these influences is essential because they shape the lens through which new information will be analyzed and understood.
Following this reflection, students should articulate two critical questions they wish to explore further. These questions should be meaningful both to their personal intellectual curiosity and to broader societal implications. For instance, a student interested in the Civil Rights Movement might ask, "How did grassroots activism influence policy changes?" or "What role did international perspectives play in shaping U.S. civil rights strategies?" These inquiries guide subsequent research efforts and deepen engagement with the topic.
In addition to formulating questions, students need to identify secondary sources that will assist in answering their queries. Such sources may include scholarly articles, historical analyses, or reputable books that provide context, interpretation, and evidence. Similarly, primary sources—original documents, firsthand accounts, artifacts—that can enrich understanding and offer direct insight into the historical moment are specified. For example, letters, photographs, government records, or speeches may serve as valuable primary sources depending on the topic.
As students gather information, they reflect on what they have learned about the topic. This process involves synthesizing research findings, understanding different perspectives, and recognizing patterns or themes that emerge. The completed worksheet is submitted for evaluation, emphasizing clarity, depth, and integration of sources while adhering to academic standards of citation, grammar, and organization.
This foundational assignment not only prepares students for subsequent research projects but also fosters critical thinking, evidence-based analysis, and an appreciation for the complexities of historical inquiry. Through careful reflection and systematic planning, students begin to develop questions that challenge assumptions, deepen knowledge, and contribute meaningfully to the understanding of history's relevance in contemporary society.