Donnelly
APUSH
Topical Presentation Guidelines
Directions: Throughout the course of the year you will be completing a series of topical
presentations that allow you to be the historian. These presentations will combine your
chapter work for class, along with your own outside research and document analysis.
What it is: Each topical presentation will consist of two parts:
1. A position paper, stating your thesis and your position on the topic/question. No
more than one typed page (front & back) or two pages front.
2. A 10-12 minute presentation of your groups’ topic/question.
What to Include:
Your position paper should include:
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The Introduction
o Identification of the topic and major issues
o Statement of your position (Thesis)
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The Body
o Background information
o Supporting evidence or facts
o A discussion of both sides of the topic or question
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The Conclusion
o Impact and influence at the time
o Historical impact
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Bibliography
o An MLA formatted bibliography consisting of no fewer than 7 scholarly
sources
o Scholarly source are those of an academic nature that have been vetted by
professional historians. (Google Scholar not Wikipedia)
Your presentation must include a visual aid
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Power Point, Prezi, Video, dramatic interpretation, etc.
Your thesis statement must be broadcast as part of your presentation.
Presentations should be lively and enthusiastic and encourage your audience to
learn.
Group Member Write-up and rubric
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Each group member must turn in a typed paragraph of what they individually
contributed to the presentation along with a print out of the topical rubric.
o Every other member must sign off on the paragraph to get credit.
Important details to note:
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Each topical will be completed in student chosen groups of 2-3.
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You may only work with a person once throughout the course of the year.
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All work on topicals will be done outside of class time. Make sure to choose your
groups wisely.
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If your group is scheduled to present on a day that you cannot be prepared for, it is
your job to find a group that is willing to switch.
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Presentations go on even if a group member is absent. You are responsible for their
part.
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All topics will be selected by your group from the list provided. Order will be
determined using a random lottery system.
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Presentation dates and times will be scheduled based on topic chosen.
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Individual group member write up will be used for the individual portion of the
grade. This ensures accountability for all members. If they don’t contribute, don’t
sign off on their paragraph.