Choosing a Topic
Finding an Interest Area
Which area of history interests me?
Consider These Questions
Once you have an area of interest, make sure the topic is applicable to this competition.
Narrow Your Topic
Start with a general area of history you find interesting. This might be information you read about in your textbook or something related to family history. Once you define your interest, the next step is to narrow your general ideas into a more focused topic.
Here is an example for the theme “Rights and Responsibilities.” You are interested in women’s history, but realize that this topic needs to be narrowed-down. Because it is an election year you decide to research “Women’s Voting Rights.” However, this topic is still too broad because you have not defined the time and place for your study. At this point you remember that the silver dollar you saw in your aunt’s coin collection had a picture of Susan B. Anthony. By making Susan B. Anthony part of your topic you can focus on the work of one woman who worked for women’s right to vote. As you work on this topic you may come up with other ideas like comparing Susan B. Anthony with another woman activist, Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Make your focus as simple as possible.
Which area of history interests me?
- Economic history? trade, money systems, etc.
- Social history? religion, culture, etc.
- Political history? elections, war, etc.
- Am I more interested in American history or world history?
- Am I more interested in ancient history or modern history?
Consider These Questions
Once you have an area of interest, make sure the topic is applicable to this competition.
- Is the topic considered history? Older than 25 years
- Are primary and secondary sources available?
- Does this topic relate to NHD's annual theme?
- What is significant about this topic?
- Is this topic exciting to you?
Narrow Your Topic
Start with a general area of history you find interesting. This might be information you read about in your textbook or something related to family history. Once you define your interest, the next step is to narrow your general ideas into a more focused topic.
Here is an example for the theme “Rights and Responsibilities.” You are interested in women’s history, but realize that this topic needs to be narrowed-down. Because it is an election year you decide to research “Women’s Voting Rights.” However, this topic is still too broad because you have not defined the time and place for your study. At this point you remember that the silver dollar you saw in your aunt’s coin collection had a picture of Susan B. Anthony. By making Susan B. Anthony part of your topic you can focus on the work of one woman who worked for women’s right to vote. As you work on this topic you may come up with other ideas like comparing Susan B. Anthony with another woman activist, Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Make your focus as simple as possible.
