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2008 Theme: Conflict and Compromise in History History Day at Humboldt State University invites students to research topics related to this year's theme, Conflict and Compromise. This broad theme will allow students to select and research an endless number of topics, from local to world history. Many of these topics easily align with the California Content Standards for History/Social Science. Each year a broad theme is selected to encompass entries, including local, state, American, and world history. The purpose of the theme is to give a central focus to the work of all participants and provide a common "yardstick" against which the quality of research and understanding may be judged.
While the final decision of a topic is up to the student, we encourage you to consider topics related to California's history. By selecting a California topic, you will likely increase the availability and accessibility of primary sources. Identifying and examining primary sources is an important aspect of a successful History Day entry. These historical pieces of information provide direct evidence of the people, places, events or ideas being studied. Primary sources are bountiful and include diaries and letters, newspaper reports, legal records, oral histories and eyewitness accounts. Regardless of which topic a student chooses, remember that it is the task of the participant to go beyond just describing history. Students are expected to gather information, analyze it, and develop their own conclusions as to its historical significance. Students should keep in mind the HISTORICAL CONTEXT of the topic - what were the physical, political, economic, cultural and social circumstances of the events or ideas? Why things happened the way they did? Students must examine the HISTORICAL IMPACT of their topic - what has changed as a result? What effects did it have on the surrounding events and atmosphere of the time period? Does it continue to have effect today? History Day in California participants should make sure that their RESEARCH IS BALANCED - what are the different perspectives about the topic? What varying resources are available about this topic? Each student should ensure that their topic ADHERES TO THIS YEAR'S Theme: Conflict and Compromise in History. Finally, every person involved in History Day at HSU should remember that the greatest reward is in the experience and the knowledge gained by researching, analyzing and preparing your entry. |
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