Session 2: Thursday September 21, 2023
Historical Paper Category
How to Create a Historical Paper:
What is a Historical Paper? History papers present information and analyze an event, person, place or idea from the past in writing. Although you might attach a map, chart or photograph that you refer to in your paper, you will rely mainly on words. Writing a paper is a chance to tell what you know and what you think about a part of the past.
How is a Paper Different from Other Categories? A Historical Paper is a highly personal and individual effort, and if you prefer to work alone this may be the category for you. Papers depend almost entirely on words to tell the story, and you can usually include more information in a paper than in some of the other categories.
Getting Started:
What is a Historical Paper? History papers present information and analyze an event, person, place or idea from the past in writing. Although you might attach a map, chart or photograph that you refer to in your paper, you will rely mainly on words. Writing a paper is a chance to tell what you know and what you think about a part of the past.
How is a Paper Different from Other Categories? A Historical Paper is a highly personal and individual effort, and if you prefer to work alone this may be the category for you. Papers depend almost entirely on words to tell the story, and you can usually include more information in a paper than in some of the other categories.
Getting Started:
- Conduct your research. Examine secondary and primary sources, taking careful notes and keeping track of which source each piece of information came from. From your research, you should come up with your thesis – the argument you want to make in your paper.
- Make an outline. Using your notes, you can create a list of the main information you want to include in your paper, where each piece of information will go, and in what order. This will help when you sit down to write your paper.
- Start writing. You might begin by writing your introduction in which you state your thesis.
-Introduction: your introduction should tell the reader where you intend to go with the rest of your paper.
-Body: the main body of your paper is where you can make the case for your conclusion. Present your evidence, the primary sources, and your analysis of how they support your thesis.
-Conclusion: your conclusion is like the summary of your paper. It should summarize your main points that prove your thesis. - Read and Revise. A polished product takes time, so it is important to re-read and revise your paper. Check for clarity, unity, and coherence. Is it clear how your topic relates to the NHD theme? Does your conclusion flow logically from your thesis?
NHD Guide to Historical Papers
guide_paper.pdf | |
File Size: | 752 kb |
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infographic-papers.pdf | |
File Size: | 1188 kb |
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BPS Guide to Writing NHD Historical Research Papers
nhd_paper_guide.pdf | |
File Size: | 145 kb |
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Performance Category
How to Create a Historical Performance:
What is a Historical Performance? A performance is a live, dramatic presentation of your topic's significance in history. You may perform individually or as part of a group. A performance should be a scripted portrayal based on research of your chosen topic. Your script should be structured on a thesis statement, supporting statements, and a conclusion. Your performance should have dramatic appeal, but not at the expense of historical information.
How is a Performance Different from Other Categories? The Performance Category is the only one that is presented live. Developing a strong narrative that allows your subject to unfold in a dramatic and visually interesting way is important. Memorizing, rehearsing, and refining your script is essential, so you should schedule time for this in addition to research, writing, costuming and prop gathering.
Getting Started:
What is a Historical Performance? A performance is a live, dramatic presentation of your topic's significance in history. You may perform individually or as part of a group. A performance should be a scripted portrayal based on research of your chosen topic. Your script should be structured on a thesis statement, supporting statements, and a conclusion. Your performance should have dramatic appeal, but not at the expense of historical information.
How is a Performance Different from Other Categories? The Performance Category is the only one that is presented live. Developing a strong narrative that allows your subject to unfold in a dramatic and visually interesting way is important. Memorizing, rehearsing, and refining your script is essential, so you should schedule time for this in addition to research, writing, costuming and prop gathering.
Getting Started:
- Decide whether the chosen topic will be most effective as a group or as an individual performance.
- Research the topic first. Write down important facts or quotes that may be important to the performance. Write a thesis statement, supporting statements and a conclusion. Think about how these might become part of your performance.
- Prepare a script. Brainstorm with general ideas and how they might be presented. If a group is performing, each member should describe different ways in which characters might interact.
-Make sure your script contains references to the historical evidence found in your research.
-Using actual dialogue, quotations, or brief excerpts from speeches are good ways to put historical detail into your performance.
-Remember that your script should center on the thesis statement, supporting statements, and the conclusion that you developed from your research. - Prepare the set. Think about different types of sets that might help depict your topic. Is there a prop that is central to the story?
- Prepare the blocking. To "block" a performance is to determine where the actors will stand, move, and/or relate to the set. You should think about these movements when deciding what type of set to design.
- Prepare the costuming. Good costumes help make a performer convincing, but make sure they are appropriate to the topic. You do not need to purchase or make an elaborate costume - sometimes simple works best (e.g. white shirt and dark pants/skirt can fit almost any time period).
- Practice, practice, practice! Work on speaking clearly, pronouncing all words correctly, and projecting your voice so that the judges and the audience can hear every word. Rehearse with the set and full costumes as often as possible
NHD Guide to Performances
guide_performance.pdf | |
File Size: | 1308 kb |
File Type: |
infographic-performances.pdf | |
File Size: | 2897 kb |
File Type: |