CHC2D Digital Essay CPT


When we study history we make choices. We choose to study what is significant.  But what makes something or someone historically significant? This is not an easy question to answer. It requires you to consider the scale or impact of the event or person. How many people were involved? How many people were affected? Does the event or person continue to have an impact on us today? How so?  


For this CPT, you will create a digital essay on ONE important issue or topic that we have learned about in Canada’s history. This digital essay should answer ONE of the questions below using words, images and videos. It must be presented in Google slides and shared with your teacher.  This is an ongoing project which will take into account the entire course so it is probably better to work on it a little at a time rather than all at once. 


Your digital essay must include:
A title slide with the question you are answering and your name.
A thesis slide which answers your question in ONE paragraph. This should outline the basic argument you will make and adhere to the expectations of a three-part thesis statement  (limited subject, precise opinion, blueprint of reasons) 
A series of slides (between 8-20) providing historical evidence to support your main thesis. These slides should include a mix of words, images and videos. 
A conclusion slide which sums up or “ties up” and reiterates your presentation
A Bibliography of all the sources you have used to compile your research. 



Grade Ten Academic CPT Topics

The following is a list of topics for your CPT. Before you choose your topic you should take several moments to become familiar with your topic by referring to your text book. Once you have chosen your topic re-read the corresponding sections of your text in order to provide yourself with a general understanding before you proceed to further research. 

Please note that in order to guide your research, each topic has very specific focus – stick to your topic. Also note that each topic covers the entire period since WWI so be sure to include evidence from across the entire period (i.e. 1914-2010).  Other topics may be chosen ONLY with your teacher's consent.     



Choosing a Topic 

Here is the approved list of topics from which you can choose. Please note that for each topic, you must cover the ENTIRE period SINCE 1914. This means you must include historical examples from 1914 until roughly the present.  If you have an idea for a topic of your own, you must get your teacher’s approval FIRST before you proceed. 

Since the Second World War, how has Canada’s relationship with the U.S. affected Canada?

What impact has the relationship between English and French-Canadians had on Canada since the First World War? 

How has Canada’s role on the global stage changed on a political, cultural and economic level since WWI? 

How have changing patterns of immigration since WW2 affected Canada economically, socially and politically? Be specific.

How has the social, political and economic role of Women in Canada changed since 1914? Be specific.

How has Canadian sovereignty (sense of independence)  developed since the 1914? What events have affected it? Be specific.

How has the relationship between the Canadian government and indigenous people developed since WWI?   




As you develop your topic consider the various types of history: 
Political history: the story of government, political leaders, electoral activities, the making of policy, and the interaction of branches of government
 Social history: the study of ways and customs, of family, education, children, demography (population change), and voluntary institutions (churches, for example)
 Cultural history: the study of language and its uses, of the arts and literature, sport, and entertainment, in constructing cultural categories
 Economic history: the study of how an entire system of production and consumption (or of any of its parts) works, of markets, industry, credit, and working people at all levels of the system
These are great themes or topics to use as a basis for developing your thesis.  



Researching
Remember that the product of your CPT will only be as good as the research you do to develop it. Start early and work in smaller chunks. Give yourself time to research and develop your ideas.
The Inquiry process is used to develop your final product which is a formal academic essay. This process consists of the following five components:
Gather and organize information, evidence, and/or data 
interpret and analyze information, evidence, and/or data 
evaluate information, evidence, and/or data and drawing conclusions 
organize and communicate findings 

Success Criteria
I have developed a proper thesis which includes all of the components learned in class (i.e. Limited subject, Clear opinion and blueprint of reasons)
I have logically organized my presentation using an effective intro, rationally sequenced ideas, evidence and a conclusion.
My arguments and information support my thesis and provide specific and carefully chosen historical evidence.
I have used a variety of written, audio and visual components to support my arguments. These components are carefully coordinated and organized to express my understanding, knowledge and overall argument (thesis). This includes using primary and secondary sources. 
My slide presentation is clearly and effectively organized (labels, font selection, aesthetic principles, logical sequencing)
I have included a properly formatted bibliography
*This is not simply a written essay, it is a digital essay. This means you are using an effective combination of words, images, audio and visual components. This MUST include video clips, audio clips images, tables, charts, quotes etc. You can find an example HERE. 
Some Tips
carefully choose evidence (written, images or audio-visual) that is specific to Canadian history
carefully label images, audio and video evidence 
remember that this is not simply a written essay presented as a google slide deck - it’s a digital essay. This means words, images and audio-visual elements are used in coordinated fashion to support your thesis and arguments. 
Limit video and audio clips to about 3 minutes or so.  
Using text features (headings, sub headings, font size and colour etc.) can help you express ideas more clearly and effectively
The writer can be "present" in the piece, via use of first-person pronouns and/or anecdotes.
Digital essays look different from traditional academic essays. Rather than titles, they have headlines and sub-headlines that give the motive and/or thesis. Paragraphs are often much shorter, and spacing is used strategically for online consumption, which prioritizes speed, efficiency, and high degree of skim-ability. Bullet points are also acceptable.