The Untold Stories of WWI

December 10, 2018

The Untold Stories of WWI

For so long, social studies, especially the study of war and conflict, has focused on the dates, specific battles, and memorizing facts. While these details are important, the most powerful elements of history are the stories, and so it's imperative that we spend time studying and bringing these (often forgotten) stories to life.

WWI ASSIGNMENT (BESIDES YOUR QUIZ, THIS IS YOUR MAIN ASSESSMENT)

What do I have to do?

Step 1 - Spend some time exploring the links. I have provided a few different websites for each topic choice, however you are required to find at least 3-4 other sources on your topic. Wikipedia is not a source. I have purposefully chosen topics that aren't part of your general study of WWI, so it may take a bit of time to find the right topic, since many of these may be new to you. There is a limited number of people per topic, so it is first come, first serve. If you find your own particular topic that you think meets the criteria, then feel free to suggest it to me.

Step 2 - Research and gather information - in your own words. Check for multiple sources. Explore other sources to see if they correspond.

Step 3 - Find 2-3 PRIMARY or SECONDARY SOURCE DOCUMENTS images/photographs/maps/visuals/letters/battle plans/propaganda posters, etc. (not a movie!) that you think you would be good at 'representing the story' that you want to tell.

Step 4 - Put together your 'Untold Story of WWI' - be ready to share your story in class on Thursday, December 20th. If you need an extension - you will have to apply to Ms. Sawatsky to have extra time over the break. You can demonstrate your learning/research as:

What will my final assignment look like?

Option 1 - A written piece that includes your 2-3 primary source documents within the document (should be roughly 2 pages 1.5 spaced at 12 font, not including primary sources)

Creative writing (fake journal entries, narrative, fake letter correspondance, collection of poetry, etc.)
An expository essay

Option 2 - An artistic representation that includes 2-3 primary source documents (could be drawn or real-ones incorporated). Will discuss length/criteria with each person individually

A cartoon/short graphic novel excerpt
Video with your own personal narration
Something else that is agreed upon by me

What does my assignment have to include?

CRITERIA - You will be assessed on 3 parts to your assignment

Research Notes + Bibliography - detailed, multiple and varied sources (4-5), thorough

Content - your assignment must incorporate the following things. You can 'weave them into the assignment' or just use different headings.

A description of the setting - what important background information does the reader need to know? (Ex. Where is this event/story taking place? What's the time period? What stage of the war is this? What 'side' of the war is your story connected to? If you are studying the role of nurses like in WWI, what was the role of women like prior to WWI?)
Clear connection to WWI - was your story part of fighting, home front, Western Front, Eastern Front, Treaty negotiations, Human Rights issues at 'home', etc.?
A description of your event - what details do we need to know.
Outcome - How did the story(ies) end? wrap-up?
An explanation of how your primary sources are relevant and connected to the story you are trying to tell

Analysis -

A clear demonstration of how your chosen primary sources connect to your story
Is your story an example of heroism or tragedy, or both?
Why is this an important story for us to know - what bigger ideas does it connect to?
What lessons/important knowledge can we gain from this story?

TOPIC CHOICES:

Keep checking back, this will be continually updated

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