NHD Thesis

Triumph and Tragedy in History

Merriam Webster defines triumph as "a victory or conquest by or as if by military force, or a notable success".

Merriam Webster defines tragedy as a "disastrous event".

• Relationships between state and federal governments may lead to triumphs or tragedies.

• Perspective matters. One person's triumph could be another person's tragedy.

• Triumphs can lead to tragedy.

• A single event can be both triumph and tragedy.

• Opposing forces in a conflict have both strengths and weaknesses.

• Exists in personal, political, economic, and cultural arenas.

Goldilocks Rule

Right-Size the Project

Most topics start big, like the Papa Bear's bed.

Narrow to a topic within a topic, like Mama Bear's bed.

Then find the human story that resonates, like Baby Bear's bed.

Cyclical

Tragedy

Define the parameters.

Triumph

What is the start date?

Tragedy

What is the end date?

Perspective

Showing a Point Of View is different from agreeing with it.

Topics Chosen

Research Underway

Sources Discovered

Story Unfolding

Thesis Statement

"Researchers start out with a topic, but they usually do not have a thesis statement right away.

Instead, they develop their themes over time as they learn more about their topic and make judgements about the evidence they find." -- Making History

A good thesis statement should:

• Address a narrow topic

• Explain what the researcher believes to be the historical significance

• Connect to the National History Day Topic

"An effective thesis statement tells readers specifically what you plan to write about in your paper. A thesis statement usually takes a stand or expresses a specific feeling or feature of your subject."--- Writers, Inc.

Thesis =

Topic +

Theme +

Impact

Create an argument that expresses the topic's significance and demonstrates how the NHD theme plays a central part.

Start with a Research Question

Was Thomas Jefferson opposed to slavery? Why or why not?

What do you want to learn?

What happened to the Juvenile Court system to bring it to the crisis point?

a) Even though Thomas Jefferson acknowledged a moral struggle with slavery, he professed the financial benefits took precedence over ethics.

Research enough to be able to take a stand. Add your opinion about the topic.

b) The Juvenile Court system was established to remove children from the adult criminal justice system and help youth reform, but over the years it became a source of punishment and imprisonment.

What is the issue or concern?

Keep it Short

Between 40-60 words is a good target.

Provide just enough information to explain the argument.

It can be multiple sentences.

Active voice saves words and reads easier.

Avoid superlatives.

Use quantifiers carefully.

Include all five W's

Who are the important players?

Where did it occur?

What happened? What is it?

When?

Why is it important?

Include Theme Words

How do the parts relate to Triumph and Tragedy in History?

What are synonyms for triumph and tragedy?

Leave out Facts; Leave in Arguments

What is the point being made?

Be specific, but save the extra details for inside the project.

Write, Revise, Research, Revise

Test the Strength

Is there at least one possible opposing opinon?

How might one argue against the topic's significance in history?

Could someone argue the topic is significant for a reason different than the topic?

How would you refute their interpretations?

Why is your view stronger?

--A Guide to Hisortoical Research Through the National History Day Program pg 200

Example:

When Jackie Robinson broke the color bar in professional baseball, he was the catalyst for the civil rights movement, and a champion for the rights of African Americans.

Counter opinion: Rosa Parks was a more important catalyst for the civil rights movement than Jackie Robinson. The movement was launched in Southern communities, not on the playing field.

Create a Chart

Possible Argument Possible Argument Possible Argument

Supporting evidence Supporting Evidence Supporting Evidence

Opposing argument

Why my topic is significant in history.

Evidence that supports my argument:

Evidence that supports the opposing argument.

Which argument is stronger? Why?

Should I modify? How?

Can the argument be strengthened with more evidence or stating it more clearly?

--A Guide to Historical Research Through the National History Day Program

What is Wrong?

Martin Luther was born in 1483. He started the Reformation.

Emiliano Zapata wanted land reform. Want to know why?

Franklin D. Roosevelt created the New Deal. Read more below.

Without Norman Borlaug's Green Revolution, billions of people would have died.

Adolf Hitler was an evil man who killed many Jewish people.

Question Time

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