SOPHOMORE EXHIBITION 2007-2008

The Sophomore Exhibition is the culminating project for this course and is designed for you to exhibit the skills and knowledge you have developed.  Specifically, you will be required to research an important topic that contributed to the development of Western Civilization, write a persuasive essay, and deliver a detailed presentation.  The exhibition is an important and required part of this course and you will be expected to approach this assignment with a commitment to do your very best work.  The following information should give you a general sense of the expectations for the project.

I. TOPIC SELECTION

A. Each student will need to select a topic that has played a significant role in the development of Western Civilization. 

    Your topic can come from any time period or era we studied and you are not limited to strictly historical topics.

B. Final approval of your topic must be obtained from your instructor. No duplicate topics will be approved.

II. TIME-LINE

A. Once you have approval to proceed you need to research the significant ideas and events associated with your topic.

B. As evidence of your basic research you will need to produce a time line which identifies key dates and events of your

    topic arranged in chronological order. 

III. EXHIBITION PAPER

A. To fulfill the paper requirement you will need to write a 2-3 page persuasive essay organized around the following prompt:

     Did your topic have more of a positive or negative impact on Western Civilization?   

B. To develop and support your thesis you will need to cite research from at least three sources, (print, CD-ROM, or

    electronic), none of which can be encyclopedias.

C. The paper must be word-processed using an appropriate 12 point font and double-spaced.

D. Your final paper should demonstrate mastery of the writing skills we have emphasized throughout the year.  Specific

     assessment will be based on: 1) organization 2) content 3)supporting details 4) conventions and 5) MLA.

IV. EXHIBITION PRESENTATION

A. To fulfill the presentation requirement you will need to deliver a detailed and interesting 6-8 minute presentation.

B. The presentation must be structured around an informative historical tour of the four most important sites associated

    with your topic.  These sites should illustrate the significant events and overall impact of your topic.  The sites you

    select are up to you, but they must be specific places that you can actually visit today.

C. Your presentation must be accompanied by a topic outline of your information and large visual aid used to support your

     content. 

D. Moreover, your presentation should demonstrate a command of the delivery skills we have been working on throughout the

    year.  Assessment will be based on 1) topic outline, 2) content and organization, 3) delivery, and 4) visual aid.

IV. DUE DATES

A. Time-line:

B. Rough Draft:

C. Final Paper:

D. Presentation:

Name _______________________________________

EXHIBITION: TOPIC SELECTION

Successful completion of the Sophomore Exhibition depends upon careful consideration and selection of a topic that has played an important role in the development of Western Civilization.  I also encourage you to select a topic that you find personally relevant and will sustain your interest.  Please indicate below your top three preferences along with an explanation of your interest in the topic.  

1.

2.

3.