Write a four to six page research paper on a selected topic in twentieth century U.S. history portrayed in the film Forrest Gump (1994). This paper will incorporate primary, secondary, and tertiary source research.
Successful research papers will present coherent arguments stemming from a clearly articulated thesis statement.
Your research paper should be four to six pages in length (double-spaced, typewritten in Times New Roman 12-point font or similar). There is no need for a title page and you should use footnotes to cite your sources.
This is your only formal writing assignment and appropriate structure, style, and grammar matter.
Topics:
Elvis Presley and impact on popular culture
Watergate Scandal
Soldier’s experience of Vietnam War
Civil Rights Movement (desegregation of schools- University of Alabama, Ole Miss, and Little Rock 9) (SNCC) (Freedom Rides/Freedom Summer)
The March on Washington (Vietnam protest)
HIV/AIDS outbreak
Apple (computers)
Ping-pong diplomacy
Hippie Movement
Neil Armstrong/Space Race
Below are some example sources for a paper on the the soldier's experience of the Vietnam War.
Primary Source: Transcript of an Oral History with Vietnam Veteran Terry Musser
Secondary Source: Everyman in Vietnam: A Soldier's Journey into the Quagmire
Another Secondary Source: "Training, Morale, and Contemporary History" in Journal of Contemporary History
Tertiary Source: "Vietnam War" in the International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences
