note: other World War II resources
This is the major research assignment for your History 12 course. You will need to do a considerable amount of independent research; therefore you will need to consider a number of possible sources for information, including, but not limited to:
• Dr. Charles Best's library collection
• Public libraries (Vancouver has an excellent collection and is highly recommended)
∆ Coquitlam, Port Moody and Port Coquitlam Public Libraries
• Douglas College
• Simon Fraser University or University of British Columbia libraries
• Research information from the Internet*
• Government pamphlets and publications
Your essay will be approximately 2,000 - 2500 words (7-10 double spaced, typed, pages) in length.
photo: MindExpansi0n@Morguefile
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The general topic of your term paper will be the Cold War era. You will develop your own research question on a smaller topic of your choosing which must be approved by me. Here are some general topics you may consider.
1) Assigning blame to escalation of the Cold War
2) The declining influence of Europe during the cold war
3) Movements toward global economic cooperation
4) The United Nations' role in cold war conflict
5) Cuba and the Cuban missile crisis as an example of cold war brinkmanship
6) The Korean War (more)
7) The Vietnam War (primary sources)
8) The nuclear arms race
9) Soviet and American cold war policy
10) A political leader and his/her impact on the cold war (i.e. Eisenhower, Stalin, Reagan, Khrushchev, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, etc.) (link to Biography Resource Centre)
11) Attempts at reform in Hungary, 1956
12) Alexander Dubcek and Prague Spring
13) Pseudo-independence in Yugoslavia (media analysis)
14) Solidarity movement in Poland
15) Attempts at disarmament (peace talks, test ban treaties, etc.)
16) Collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the cold war
17) Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev and the end of the cold war
18) Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and Desert Storm
19) Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and/or the rise of the Taliban
20) Problems and solutions to the Middle East crises from 1948 onward
21) Nationalism and/or imperialism in the post-war world (Socialist point of view)
22) The civil rights movement in the United States (images of hate)
23) The impact of independence in post-war India or Africa
24) The role of the Middle East in post-war international relations (Suez)(Palestine)
You are permitted to choose an alternate topic for your research essay. You must, however, have your topic approved by me first.
RESOURCES:
Here are some general sites that you can browse in order to find a topic that suits you.
Cold War Studies at Harvard University
Primary Documents from The Cold War International History Project
Topics will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.
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Your research paper MUST include:
a) A minimum of 7 resources other than the course textbooks and/or encyclopedia
• Of those 7, a minimum of five must be print resources
• A minimum of three primary sources
• Though you may use an encyclopedia (electronic or print), encyclopedic references will not be counted as part of your minimum of five resources - citing Wikipedia is not acceptable in your research paper
• Direct quotations from Tony Howarth and/or Victor Zelinski's texts
b) An approved research topic question
c) Written notes in required format (more about this later)
d) A formal, academic title page
e) A 'Works Consulted'
f) Direct quotations cited in the approved, M.L.A. format (in-text citations)
Due Dates:
* Question approved -
* Notes submitted -
* Draft essay -
* Final submission -
Tutorial Assistance and Deadlines: The very best way to assure my assistance is to make an appointment and I will be sure to be here. Do not leave your research, information gathering and paper writing questions until the last minute.
These deadlines are absolute. If you miss any of these deadlines, your work for the next deadline will not be accepted and you risk surrendering your entire grade. This paper is 25% of your mark! Be responsible.
One last note:
I'm fairly confident that I do not have to remind you of this but I am going to do it anyway. Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Seek my assistance. Ask questions. Do your best. But do not be tempted to use any inappropriate means in your research and presentation.
This is your grade twelve year. If your paper is found to be the result of plagiarism or other dishonest measures, you will not only receive a permanent grade of zero but also will have the event as part of your permanent academic record.
