United States History
Bentley School, Winter 2015
Instructors: Dr. Chen, Mr. Dickens, and Dr. Horwitz
Civil War Project
Since 1861, there have been at least 50,000 books written on the Civil War. Clearly, it will be impossible for us to address every aspect of this war in our class. However, it will be your task to research, create, and present a project that enlightens us about one aspect of this war.
For this project, you will produce:
1. Visual Component (40%): This visual component can take the form of a Powerpoint, Prezi, brief Video, or Informative Poster. No matter the format, it should reflect your research and your own original analysis. You may choose to feature images from your research, create your own visuals based on your findings, or reenact key events on film. This will be assessed mainly for content rather than aesthetics. (Please note: any use of Comic Sans results in an automatic F.)
2. Written Component (40%): The written component will accompany the visual component and be a minimum of four double-spaced pages (or approximately 1000 words). For example, this could be your video script or notes for your Powerpoint. Please note that this will be assessed on quality as well as quantity, and just meeting the minimum only gives you a minimum number of points. It should feature details and examples to support and clarify major points. This written component should also be carefully edited and proofread.
One part of the written component is a bibliography with a minimum of four sources. One source has to be a book, and two have to be primary sources. The fourth source is up to you. Also, don’t hesitate to use more!
Then on December ___, you will present to the class.
3. Presentation (20%): You should plan to present for 5 minutes. You should be sure to practice your presentation at home so you are polished and comfortable with what you are going to be doing. Instead of just summarizing your research, you should be thinking about how to present your material in inventive and interesting way (in other words, Powerpoints should not just be read out loud). You will be evaluated on how informative and creative your presentation is.
One last note: Plagiarism – Don’t. Do It.
List of suggested topics (each person must have a unique topic):
Assigned Date: week of 12/7
Due Date: week of 12/14