Thursday, May 7, 2009

Creating a Historical Thesis

As you continue your work on your Content Institute Presentation, I wanted to give you some information on creating a historical thesis. When you are creating your presentation, remember that you are providing a justification for the study of this material. Here's some information to guide your quest from the Writing Center at the University of Minnesota:

"While a thesis or main point is a typical feature of writing in most academic disciplines, the thesis in history writing is essential. A thesis makes history writing what it is: a meaningful interpretation of the past rather than a simple list of things that happened.

The thesis states the overall claim of a historical essay—a good claim in history tells the reader what historical evidence says and why what it says is significant in some larger context. It usually appears as the last sentence or two in the introductory section of a paper, and it should serve as a point of reference for readers to understand the writer’s main point about a historical subject and its significance. All subsequent analysis in the body of the essay should serve to forward the thesis statement."

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Unit Topic Ideas

As we find ourselves apart during these weeks between weekends 1 and 2, I don't want us to lose sight of the fact that we are still a class, but just physically separated. In efforts to help foster our cohesiveness, the unit topics are posted here for each student. This was Jane's idea so that we could pass along information that may work for someone else's unit topic.

If your topic is listed incorrectly, please post a comment and I'll update the list.
Sarah Grade 3 Important Massachusetts Figures
Cindy Grade 1 Famous African Americans
Jody Grade 5 African Americans
Cathy Grade 5 Events Leading Up to the American Revolution
Lauren Gr. 4/5 Regions or Elections (still deciding)
Kelly Grade 4 Regions of the US
Kelli Grade 3 Boston Tea Party, important figures
April Grade 3 Community- Newburyport culture & buildings
Danielle Grade 3 Newburyport Fishing History & Geography
Kristina Grade 1 Past, Present, Future- time passage & important Americans
& K.Lee
Eli Grade 2 Working America & Bill of Rights
Colleen Grade 5 Continents, Resources & Homes
Tiffany Grade 3 Pilgrims
Deirdre Grade 4 Merrimack Valley & Its History (textiles)