Introduction to the IA Historical Investigation: 3 Components Academic Research based investigation Oral History Investigation Investigation based on fieldwork A Local History 3 Components Research Question & Evaluation of Sources Historical Investigation Critical Analysis supported by evidence answering the research question Reflection
Topic selection The choice of topic is wide open and really meant to enable students to explore their own interests. 20th century US History* That being said, the word count is very narrow (2200) for the investigation. So while most topics are viable the research question needs to be quite narrow.
Topic Exploration Explore possible topics for the IA and narrow it down to 5 topics with possible research questions. The list is due Wednesday, February 28.
IA Topic Examples Rosenberg Espionage Case Robert F. Kennedy To what extent did the execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg impact the rising anti-capital punishment movement of the 1950s? Robert F. Kennedy What were the political ramifications of the assassination of Bobby Kennedy in 1968? Murder of Emmett Till To what extent did the murder of Emmett Till create support for the Civil Rights Movement? Equal Rights Amendment How and with what results did women mobilize against the passing of the Equal Rights Amendment?
IA Topic Examples Great Depression Literature To what extent did John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men accurately depict the plight of California migrant workers? WWII Veteran Oral History How did the experiences of WWII veterans serving in Europe compare with those in the Pacific? Anti-War Music of the 1960s In what ways did the American 1960s counterculture use music to promote their anti-war message? Iran Hostage Crisis and the Media How did the coverage of the Iran hostage crisis differ in the American and Iranian press? Veteran Perspectives on Vietnam How did the experiences of Vietnam Veterans differ between those drafted and those who enlisted? Presidential Film Depiction How historically accurate is the depiction of LBJ in Selma?
IA Topic Examples Lindbergh Kidnapping Minorities in WWII What was the legal legacy of the Lindbergh Kidnapping case? Minorities in WWII What role did the Tuskegee Airmen play in the desegregation of the US military? AIDS epidemic What were the social responses to the early AIDS epidemic of the 1980s? Television and Politics How did the advent of television in the 1950s affect political campaigns?
IA Topic Examples Woodstock Music Festival Sputnik Watergate What was the impact of the contrasting media coverage of Woodstock on public perception of the event? Sputnik To what extent did the launching of Sputnik impact Science Education reforms in the United States? Watergate What was the lasting impact of Watergate on the relationship between the presidency and the press? Roe v. Wade To what extent did the decision of Roe v. Wade lessen support for the Women’s Rights Movement?