Research Project
Guidelines for 5-Minute Research Presentation (100 points)
This is a SHORT and FUN class activity! This assignment consists of a 5-minute research presentation concerning empires in global history. Which globally significant empire-related historical issues do you find most interesting, and which empire exemplifies the case the best and why? Was there any particular empire’s history that you always wanted to learn more about but didn’t get a chance to do so until now? Then here’s your chance!
Pick one of the following subject areas, and formulate your own research question concerning an important aspect of empires in light of global history. Then, gather the most interesting, available human record(s) on your topic in the form of primary and secondary source evidence, and analyze what, why, and how those records are important to address your research question. It will give you a chance not only to research on an exciting topic of your own interest, but also share your research findings with the rest of our class members while practicing effective and creative presentation and communication skills.
The format of your presentation can be somewhat flexible as long as you can present a clearly defined research question and a coherent and persuasive argument (thesis) as your answer to the question based on historical evidence. A lot of students choose to make a power point presentation.
The only restriction in your topic and format choice is that your content should be suitable for an effective 5-minute presentation delivery, and your research question must deal with a subject that is relevant to empires in global history since year 1000 to the present. Remember, your project must address a critical aspect of your selected empire in global history analyzing the link between an empire and its impact on human history through your analysis of carefully selected record(s) on your research topic.
The evaluation will be based on the following criteria:
1) Clear introduction and conclusion (including the topic/research question/thesis/conclusion)
2) Coherent and persuasive historical evidence (using both the primary and secondary source material)
3) Effective delivery of content (using clear and effective communication skill) with proper citation and content organization
As the first step for your project, post your tentative thesis statement and a bullet-pointed content outline. Then submit Powerpoint presentation.
In summary, this is a research project for Empires in Global History class. It should be a 5 minutes long powerpoint presentation.
I’ve chosen the British Empire and the subject is Economic History.
You’re expected to build a theses statement + outline, and then powerpoint presentation.
Once you’ve sent me the files on each deadline I will be able to give a feedback on the work.
Your help is much appreciated and will help me relief some of the work load for the end of this semester.
Empire: British
Subject: Economic History
Theses Statement + Outline (Due Friday)
PowerPoint Presentation (Due Saturday)
I attempted to build a Theses Statement + Outline and you can read my professors feedback below.
Tentative Thesis: How did the British Empire used slave trade to benefit its economy from 1600s-1800s.
Origins of British voyages
Overview of the British economy prior and after slave trade
The legacy and transition to a better system.
“It seems that what is at the core of your research project is the impact of the slave trade on the economy of the British Empire during the 17th and 19th centuries. As you can see already, it is a very broad topic to deal with effectively and solidly for a five-minute presentation. This means, we need to narrow it down a lot more specifically with a precise, focused question in close alignment with the assignment guidelines. (What it should not be is presenting a broad overview of the history of slave trade in the British Empire, for example.) As you read and gathered materials on this topic thus far, what do they tell you about what nature or aspect of the British empire at that time? Also, when we say the British Empire, what geographical and demographical boundary are we talking about? Overall, what economic impact of the slave trade do you see on all members of the empire? (For example, did all parts of the empire show economic growth due to the slave trade it was engaged in?) There are a lot to think about in this regard, and I hope you can refine your project’s scope and thesis with more focus in relation to the nature of empires in global history through this example. Looking forward to your presentation later this month!”
As you can see the feedback, you may adapt the project to meet professors requirement or choose a different approach.
Please post the outline by 10PM on Friday, and Powerpoint by 10PM on Saturday.
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