For this assignment, each student will receive the name of an individual who made a significant contribution to American society.
Assignment Purposes:
To come to understand how a particular person's experiences can illuminate our understanding of the period and circumstances in which he/she lived.To learn to do research of the sort professional historians do; locating, examining, and using appropriate source materials, and presenting one's findings to readers.The finished project should be 4 to 5 pages in length consisting of the following:
Assignment:
Biographical Sketch:
a) A factual account of the person's life, emphasizing aspects that are of historical significance.
b)Provide evidence and explanation of the person's historical contribution(s) and significance.Evidence must be documented with references and citations to sources.How and why is this person considered to be important?What does her or his life tell us about the times in which he/she lived; about important social, scientific, cultural, economic, or political developments; about the United States at the time?
Annotated Bibliography:
You are to create a list of reliable and relevant sources that illuminate your person's life and contributions. This list should include the sources that you used for this project as well as others that you can identifiy that may be available for research.
To get started with your research - you will find the following helpful:
Worldcat - a catalogue of material in libraries around the world- create a free account to use this site.
Library of Congress - search materials of your person - clicking the links provided will give you info you need for your anotated bibliography
Smithsonian - History & Culture
United States Holocaust Museum
National Archives - follow the link for general public access
Student Resource Center - remote use password: "empirelink"
Biography Resource Center - remote use password: "empirelink"
