Research Paper Outline
Henry VIII
I. Introduction
Thesis- Henry VIII ’s brilliance, which fueled his ego, led him to test the limits of his power
and desires forever changing English, and by extension world, history.
II. Biography
Early Life
1st Marriage
Political, Literary Successes
DEFINGING MOMENT-Split with Catholic Church & Marriage to Anne Boleyn
Later marriages
Aftermath
III. Historical impact
Role of a ruler vs. church AKA. Separation of church and State
Role of King
Establishment of the Anglican church
IV. Conclusion
Thesis Ver. 2- The talented but overconfident Henry VIII changed world history by
beginning the separation the English government from the church helping to establish the concept
of secular governments.
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Charles Darwin
I. Introduction
Thesis- Through various works on the progression of species, most notably The Origin of
Species, Charles Darwin changed the way the world looks at history and the human and animal
kingdoms.
II. Biography
- Early Life, Education
- Travels on HMS Beagle
- Formulation of evolutionary theory and “fitness” in species.
- DEFINGING MOMENT-Publishing of and debate over The Origin of Species
-Later works & theories- “Descent of Man”, “Inscetivorous Plants”
- Death
III. Historical impact
- Helped establish the idea of science excluded from the church aiding in the progression of “pure
science” the forbearer of modern scientific practice
-Crated the concepts that laid the ground work for natural selection and by extension genetics
IV. Conclusion
Thesis Ver. 2- The brilliant naturalist Charles Darwin changed the direction of
contemporary science with his groundbreaking work The Origin of Species, laying the
groundwork for modern scientific theory and practice.
Alfred Hitchcock
I. Introduction
Thesis- Through his early work in silent films Alfred Hitchcock learned visual subtlety and
through his later directing and writing perfected all film techniques making the most influential
director of all time.
II. Biography
Early Life- Mother issues, authority/police issues
Silent/German Films
Marriage
1940’s- 39 Steps, Rebecca
Control of all aspects of film
DEFINGING MOMENT- Late 50’s North By Northwest, Vertigo, Rear Window, Psycho,
perfectly blending characterization, camera work and artistic schemes to make some of the
greatest films ever made.
1960’s- Marnie, The Birds, Frenzy
End of his life
III. Impact on the World
Impact on later director, Spielberg, Tarantino, DePalma, Wes Craven
IV. Conclusion
Thesis Ver. 2- Through many years of experimentation and practice the brilliant and
meticulous Alfred Hitchcock mastered the art of filmmaking, impacting the art forever.
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The Who
I. Introduction
Thesis- Through their raw talent and innovation under leader Pete Townsend, The Who
changed the landscape of popular music by legitimizing hard rock, inventing the rock opera and
branching into film.
II. Biography
-Early Lives- Birth and Childhood in repressed post-war England
-Formation of the band in the Mod scene
-Release of early albums My Generation, A Quick One- Their first use of an extended
concept song, and the rise of Townshend as group leader.
-Who Sells Out album released, First full concept album
DEFINGING MOMENT- Composition, release, tour and film release of Tommy the “first” Rock
Opera.
-Failure of Lifehouse Rock Opera leading to the release of Who’s Next, considered the group’s
masterpiece.
-Later albums, Quadrophenia, Who By Numbers etc.
-Death of Keith Moon, 80’s Albums, Death of John Entwhistle, Endless Wire
III. Impact on the World
Impact on other groups (The Clash, Police, Pearl Jam, Greenday etc.) and on music,
theatre and film.
IV. Conclusion
Thesis Ver. 2- Under the leadership of guitarist Pete Townsend, the gifted members of
the Who were able to create musical concepts, such as Tommy and Quadrophenia, spanning
various media and making an indelible mark on popular music.