Tony and Shanna Hurt Seoul International School

Background to National History Day in Korea What is National History Day and how did it begin in Korea? Inaugural NHD in Korea, February 18, 2012 Participating schools – Bugil AcademyCheongshim International Academy Hankuk Academy of Foreign Studies Korea Minjok Leadership Academy Korea Kent Foreign SchoolKorea International School Seoul American Middle SchoolSeoul International School

New schools for 2013 include Gyeonggi Academy of Foreign Language, Daewon Foreign School, Humphreys American Middle School, and Seoul American High School Affiliate status and what that means in terms of advancement to the national finals 2013 NHD in Korea will take place on Saturday February 23, 2013, at Seoul International School.

Why National History Day matters "Students have always told us how much they loved their NHD experience and how it has changed their life, both in their academics and their careers. History not only teaches students about the stories of our past, but is vital to creating a generation of young people who can apply these lessons to the future." — Cokie Roberts

Contest Categories Research Paper (individual only) Exhibit (individual/group *Junior Division only) Performance (individual/group) Documentary (individual/group) Website (individual/group)

Individual Research Paper 1,500 to 2,500 word limit (not including annotated bibliography, captions, or notes) Citations – footnotes, endnotes, or internal documentation – are required Papers must be typed with 1 inch margins and no more than 12 point font, but no less than 10 point font. Papers must be stapled in the top left corner, no binders or plastic covers, title page may not have illustrations.

Individual or Group Exhibit It should be like a museum exhibit. It should contain only 500 student-composed words (this does not include primary sources, brief citations, and questions, but does include timelines, captions etc.). Junior Division only for NHD in Korea

Individual or Group Performance It must be original, and not exceed 10 minutes Performers should display stage presence, including clear and audible voices Costumes should be appropriate for the topic, and not confuse or overpower the performance

Individual or Group Documentary It should be a documentary, rather than simply a taped performance, and should not exceed 10 minutes Students must operate all the equipment

Individual or Group Web Site It is a computer based representation of your research and analysis; uses text, media, and interactive elements; engages and informs the viewer. It must be constructed using the NHD web site editor, and may contain no more than 1,200 visible, student-composed words.

Rules For All Categories Each entry must clearly relate to the annual theme and explain it’s significance in history. Individual entries must be the work of only one student, and group entries must be the work of 2-5 students. All entries must be original. Students can receive help and advice from teachers and parents on the mechanical aspects of their entry.

The Process Paper 500 words or less must be provided in Exhibit, Performance, Documentary, and Web Site categories It provides a description of how the students went about the research and creation of their entry. It concludes with an explanation of the topic’s relationship to the theme

Annotated Bibliography This should be attached to the process paper. It should explain how each work was used in producing the entry, and why they are classified as primary or secondary sources. Evaluate bibliography based on the strength of their sources, the breadth of their research, and appropriateness to the topic. The annotated bibliography shows the extent and value of a student’s sources.

Unwrapping the 2013 Theme The 2013 NHD Theme is Turning Points in History: People, Ideas, Events.

2013 Theme What is a “turning point” in history? Student work must adequately explain their topic’s relationship to the theme and its significance in history. Students do not have to address all three (people, ideas, and events), although some topics might be suited to all three.

Evaluating Entries Historical quality (60%) and relationship to the theme (20%) are most important. When evaluating Clarity of Presentation (20%), do not be swayed by glitz – the message is most important. Be careful not to give “cute” points Write clear, unambiguous, and constructive comments.

Interviews The purpose of the interview is to clarify any questions or concerns you have, and to provide interaction between the professional and student. Ask questions of substance regarding the topic such as: Why did you choose the topic? How did you begin the research process? What was your most important source and why?

Logistics for NHD in Korea, 2013 Registration and 50,000 Won payment is due on Friday December 3, 2012 (includes certificate of participation, T shirt, lunch, as well as winners medals). All entries will need to be submitted by February 10, NHD in Korea will take place on Saturday February 23, 2013 at Seoul International School.

Judges for NHD in Korea Each participating school must provide at least one judge for every three entries. There will be a virtual judges training in early February 2013.

Keynote Speaker for NHD in Korea Dr. Cathy Gorn, the Executive Director of NHD, will be our keynote speaker at NHD in Korea on February 23, 2013.

National History Day Finals, 2013 The NHD finals will take place from June 9-13, 2013 at the University of Maryland. NHD in Korea will advance up to two entries in each category (Senior Division) to the finals. Those who qualify for the national competition are expected to attend the finals in the U.S.

Further Information Please contact Tony Hurt, Seoul International School at for more information, and to include your school on the NHD in Korea group More details about National History Day, especially contest rules, guidelines for entries, and examples of winning entries, can be found at The basic logistical information about NHD in Korea is available at Here is the link to register for NHD in Korea 2013: