history historical figure

Final Project Outline

Project Assignment: You are going to pick a lesser-known historical figure related to the time period of this course (Pre-Contact Native America to The Civil War). This is preferably a person we did not discuss in class, or someone we touched on, but really did not explore more. This should be a person that is normally left out of or forgotten in historical discussions.

Hidden Historical Figures Statement: Once you select your person, you will submit a Hidden Historical Figures statement in which you tell me three things 1: who you picked; 2: a brief statement about who they were; and 3: why they are significant to American history.

Example statements from second-half US:

“I am presenting about Nelly Bly. She was a journalist in the late 19th century who went under cover at an asylum and exposed the terrible conditions and treatment of the mentally ill. Her work completely changed psychology, mental institutions, and public understanding of mental health

“My hidden historical figure is Garret Morgan. He is sometimes referred to as the Black Edison because of his amazing inventions. They include a protective smoke hood and a three way traffic light. His inventions revolutionized traffic and also significantly helped with safety, but he was also a businessman and leader in the African American community.

Hidden Historical Figures Project. For the final project, you will create a 7-10 minute presentation using PowerPoint, or another presentation platform. (Preferable not Google Doc) Your presentation must have audio of you discussing and analyzing your topic and at least 5 slides, including a title slide. You will discuss the person’s background, where they were from, their upbringing, important life events, etc. Then, you will need to discuss why they were significant to American history, and what we can learn by studying their contributions. Basically, you are making a short lecture like the ones you see in class.

You must include historical information from important resources, including 2 primary and 3 secondary sources. Primary and secondary sources will be explained in the Bibliography outline. You must cite your sources at the end of your presentation. This final slide of sources does NOT count towards your project length.

You will post your presentations in Canvas under the assignment tab.

I will consider the following factors when grading your final project:

· Does it meet the length requirement of 7-10 minutes?

· Does it have at least 5 slides?

· Do you speak clearly and professionally?

· Do you discuss their personal background?

· Do you explain their contribution to American history?

· Do you successfully prove why this person is worth studying?

· Do you have at least 2 primary and 3 secondary sources? Did you cite your sources on the final slide?