History+Report

In the second quarter of our school year, each 7th grader is required to successfully complete a project. This project includes two parts: 1) a written paper 2) an oral presentation. Each part of the project will receive a separate grade. Possible topics are based upon the life of a person connected with European history during the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Reformation eras. Here are the requirements for each part of the project:

WRITTEN PAPER:


 * Due________
 * Minimum of two pages typed, double-spaced, with an easy-to-read 12 or 14 pt. font.
 * Minimum of three bibliographic sources to be used, two which must be non-textbook or encyclopedic resources. Online resources are acceptable as long as the accuracy of the information can be verified.
 * Sources should be listed in proper bibliographic form (additional handout to be shared at a later date).
 * Spelling, grammar, and proper punctuation are important, so careful proofreading and editing is a necessity. Make sure your paper is constructed in a clear and organized manner.
 * The paper should be written using third-person voice.
 * The focus of the paper is on the historical significance of the individual. While biographical information is helpful, the writer should be able to show why this person (or type of person) is important in history.
 * This paper should be your own creation and your own writing. Plagiarized work that is submitted will result in a score of zero on this project.

ORAL REPORT:


 * Each student will have their oral presentation scheduled during the month of ________.
 * Three minutes minimum.
 * The presentation is to be made in the first person, meaning that you **ARE** the character you chose for this presentation. Enthusiasm about the life of this person is important. You should be able to share unique insights about what this person was thinking or feeling at different stages of his or life. Make this character come alive!
 * Costumes, visual props, and other representations are helpful for your “performance.”
 * You may use one notecard to help with your presentation. The notecard should include bullet points of key ideas you wish to share in your presentation. **DO NOT** read from your notecard. Speak to the class in a clear voice.

POSSIBLE TOPICS:


 * Charlemagne
 * Pope Urban II
 * An anonymous crusader
 * An anonymous victim of the Black Death
 * An anonymous lord of a manor
 * An anonymous lady of a manor
 * An anonymous knight
 * An anonymous serf
 * An anonymous monk or nun
 * An anonymous member of a medieval guild
 * Leonardo da Vinci
 * Michelangelo
 * Johannes Gutenberg
 * Nicolaus Copernicus
 * Galileo
 * Martin Luther
 * John Calvin
 * King Henry VIII of England
 * Queen Elizabeth I of England
 * Catherine of Aragon
 * Anne Boleyn
 * Mary I of England
 * William Shakespeare
 * Mary Queen of Scots

You are free to suggest other topics, but they must be approved by your teacher