Sophomore Research Paper Topics
01. The excerpt from The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin shows the world a
certain side of Franklin’s life. Find out about his political achievements. Compare
what you learn from The Autobiography with Franklin’s career as a statesman. Share
your findings in a short 2 to 3 page research paper.
02. Not only were Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Paine eloquent speakers for American
freedom, but ironically the song “Yankee Doodle Dandy” also helped spur
American troops on to victory. Research the surprising origin of the song. Given
Jefferson’s tone in The Declaration of Independence and Paine’s tone in from The
Crisis, Number 1, write a brief 2 to 3 page research paper, citing examples from the
3 works that illustrate this irony.
03. Research the McCarthy era of the 1950’s. Write a brief 2 to 3 page research paper
about the accuracy of Miller’s views of that era and how he used the Salem witchcraft
trials in The Crucible as a parallel to the political climate of McCarthyism.
04. In addition to from Letter from Birmingham City Jail, use other primary sources
such as newspaper accounts, letters or speeches, to prepare a brief 2 to 3 page
research paper on an important moment in Dr. King’s eventful life. Consider the 1955
Montgomery bus boycott, the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery, the 1960
sit-ins at lunch counters, or the 1963 March on Washington.
05. Use the Internet to find the transcript, audio, or video of another president’s inaugural
speech. Read or listen carefully, and compare the one you choose to the Inaugural
Address by President Kennedy. Sum up your findings in a short 2 to 3 page research
paper.
Tragic Figures
Baldwin, Alec
Ledger, Heath
Belushi, John
Lee, Bruce
Benoit, Chris
Lennon, John
Brown, Chris
Lohan, Lindsay
Candy, John
Monroe, Marilyn
Cobain, Kurt
Monteith, Corey
Cyrus, Miley
Phoenix, River
Dean, James
Plath, Sylvia
Farley, Chris
Presley, Elvis
Gibson, Mel
Richie, Nicole
Guerrero, Eddie
Ryder, Winona
Hendrix, Jimi
Shakur, Tupac
Hoffman, Philip
Seymour
Simpson, O.J.
Holly, Buddy
Smalls, Biggie AKA
Notorious B.I.G.
Houston,
Whitney
Smith, Anna Nicole
Jackson, Michael
Tyson, Mike
Kardashian, Kim
Valens, Richie
Kennedy, John F.
Walker, Paul
Kennedy, Ted
Winehouse, Amy
King, Martin
Luther
Woods, Tiger