history of north American economics
joluu
InformationonFinalCoursePaper2.pptxFinal Paper
Instructions for Final Paper
Choosing a Topic
You are free to choose any topic related to economic history
Some suggestions include, but are not limited to:
The economic impact of the Canadian Pacific Railway in Canada
The economic impact of the telegraph
The economic impact of colonialization on indigenous peoples
The role of women in the Canadian/US/Mexico economy
A comparative analysis between historical health crises (e.g., Spanish Flu and COVID-19)
The economic impact of the Dust Bowl on Canada/United States
The economic history of money
The economic role of women under Mexican colonialism
Comparative analysis between the Great Depression and the Great Recession
Choosing a Topic
Some suggestions include, but are not limited to (cont.):
The changing role of the state in the economy (could choose to write about Canada, US, or Mexico)
Comparative analysis between the impact of the Great Depression in Mexico and in the United States or Canada (choose only two)
A historical analysis of the gender wage gap
An analyses of Canada’s manufacturing sector: What has been driving the decline in manufacturing’s share of activity through time?
The role of the Roman Catholic Church in Mexico's development before 1850
The economic importance of a particularly industry (several to choose from, e.g., tabaco, cotton in U.S., most natural resources in Canada, silver/mining in Mexico) on the economic development of the region/country
The importance of historical institutions on economic development
Comparison of the economic impact of the Dust Bowl to recent droughts
Choosing a Topic
Some suggestions include, but are not limited to (cont.):
The economic impact of the Co-operative movement that began to appear in North America in the 1840s
The economic impact of women entering the workforce
The impact of the Catholic Church on the economic development of Quebec/Canada
How the railways played an integral role in the process of industrialization, opening up new markets and tying regions together, while at the same time creating a demand for resources and technology
The effect of slavery on wider economic development
The economic impact of subsidies in agriculture
Argumentative/opinion essay: Mercantilism benefited the economic development of the United States and Canada
Choosing a Topic
Some suggestions include, but are not limited to (cont.):
The economic impacts on aboriginals of a shift from subsistence to market needs
The economic role of women in colonial America/Canada
What economic, social, and philosophical factors contributed to the formation of labour unions in the 1800s?
The importance of the Mississippi River in the economic development of the United States
The economic costs and benefits costs of child labour in the late 1800s/ early 1900s in the United States
Transportation as a factor in Canadian/US/Mexico economic history
The importance of the lumber trade/wheat trade in the economic development of Canada
The economic importance of the Hudson's Bay Company
The economic benefits for Canada/US as a result of WWI/WWII
Requirements
You are to write the paper (opinion piece, comparative essay, or traditional research paper) by yourself or in groups of two
An opinion piece is an article that expresses the writers opinion about a subject (see our CourseSpaces page for an overview of how to write one)
A traditional essay paper follows a standard format (introduction with thesis statement, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion). A sample paper that was submitted by a student in this course has been posted on our CourseSpaces page. Also see APA sample paper on slide eight of this deck.
A comparative essay takes on the same format as a traditional essay paper except you are comparing two events (the similarities and differences between the two events would be synthesized to form your thesis statement). Comparative essays make great economic history papers!
You must use APA formatting (see slide 8 for resources)
Requirements
You must make use of research publications (journal articles*, other books, our textbooks, etc.) – Take a look at the optional readings that I have posted on related topics
Your paper must be between 1,000-1,200 words excluding tables, references, and appendices
A detailed marking rubric is posted on CourseSpaces
The paper is due by 11:59 (PDT) on Sunday June 21st
To submit your paper, use the “Essay Drop-Box” located on our CourseSpaces page.
Your must submit the paper as a Word document.
Helpful Hints
Start early!
Before beginning to write, go to the library or use UVic Summon to search for research related to your topic: https://www.uvic.ca/library/
While newspapers, magazines, and organizational documents are useful resources, your paper will be stronger (i.e., you will get a better grade) if you can find published journal articles on your topic
APA resources:
Overview of APA rules: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_style_introduction.html
An APA sample paper: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/apa_sample_paper.html
Need help with your writing and editing? Book an appointment with the UVic Centre for Academic Communication: https://www.uvic.ca/library/locations/home/learning/cac.php
Edit, Edit, Edit!! Do not save this to the last minute.
