MKS 10 Term 2 Project: Independent Study

The purpose of this Independent Project is to encourage you to examine a topic of interest relative to the course by using historical research methods. You will be using the inquiry process to narrow a topic of interest, formulate a research question, undergo research and present your findings. In essence, you will be “doing History” on your own. You will have approximately 1 month to complete the work.

Topics

The topic you may choose is limited only by your imagination, research availability and the boundaries of this course. Here are some possible topics you may wish to research: the effects of residential schools on Mi’kmaq culture, cultural artifacts (stone weirs, clothing, canoes, etc…), archaeological evidence of inhabitants, Mi’kmaq self-government, elders, food, spirituality, petroglyphs, contributions to Canadian literature, art, music….

Components/Evaluation

There are several components to the independent project, all of which will be completed by specific dates for evaluation purposes. Dates will be posted in class and on my web page.

Proposal

You will be given a proposal sheet to complete that will narrow your field of interest down to a specific research question. There will be a place for you to include a list of three sources from which you will begin your research. You will have 2 classes in the lab to do this. Please note that the remaining research must be done on your own time.

Please Note:

This is considered a major assessment piece and will not be accepted after the final due date unless you have successfully gone through the application process to receive an extension.

The Choices…

Option 1: Research Paper

You will research a topic and write an academic paper (1200-1500 words) You must include a cover page, pre approved outline, well organized research notes, proper citations, and a properly formatted bibliography.

Or

Option 2:Written Report and Alternate Choice

You must submit a brief report (500-700 words) that explains your project and how it reflects your research. You must include a cover page, well organized research notes, proper citations, and a properly formatted bibliography, along with your alternate choice. Some Suggestions:

Social Studies Collection

Simply put, this is a collection of writing, artifacts and images that convey an answer to your research question. Your collection should be contained in something appropriate to the research question. One example of this type of project might be a keepsake box belonging to a child who attended a residential school. In this box you might find: photos, drawings, family recipes,locks of hair…anything an Aboriginal child might want to keep hidden from the “authorities” of the school. It might include letters, a small scrapbook, feathers, scraps of old clothing, notes to friends, a diary, an escape map and plan, etc…

Collection of Original Writing/Multi-genre Writing Project

You might create a series of original writing pieces tied to a theme or topic and written from multiple perspectives or in multiple genres.

Graphic Novel

You might choose some Mi’kmaq legends or stories and create a graphic novel based on your research of those legends.

Historical Model

This should be an accurate model of something significant to Mi’kmaq history or culture…perhaps a model of a birch bark canoe or a summer/ winter encampment etc.

Historical or Cultural Calendar

Researching important dates in Mi’kmaq history and designing a calendar around a theme would be a great project. There are plenty of calendar types and templates available on Microsoft Publisher.

Original Art Collection: This project would showcase your research through a series of original drawings, paintings, woodcuts, sculptures, mosaics, etc…

If you have another idea, please come see me first…

Both choices require an original thesis that you will develop using your research to support your topic.

Important Dates:

January 10 / Proposal Due
January 16 / Research Notes and Bibliography Check
January 21 / Submit Independent Study

Topic Ideas: Feel free to chose from the list or research and find your own topic of interest!

Music

Weapons

Clothing

Mi’kmaq

Treaties

Indian Act

Transportation

Spiritual Ceremonies

Spiritual Symbols

Mi’kmaq Athletes

Mi’kmaq Politicians

Mi’kmaq Artists

Mi’kmaq Recreation

Mi’kmaq Self-Government

Residential Schools

Impact of Religion of Mi’kmaq Spirituality

Contemporary Issues (ex: Idle No More movement)

Mi’kmaq Justice (comparison to Canadian Justice System, or significant court cases etc)