The third supporting question, “What are effective ways to influence change?” helps students use primary sources to understand how the work of historians and other academics in the socials studies has a relevant role in their lives. The research and historical arguments developed during the work of a historian can help create context and understanding around problems people face today. Their work can be used by leaders to influence policies and other decisions that affect their daily lives. Complete the following task using the sources provided to create a draft policy paper or brief.
Learn more about how to write a policy brief at the Writing Center, the International Development Research Center, or this guide.
Formative Performance Task 3
Students will learn about the elements of persuasion by analyzing interdisciplinary texts, containing those elements. Draft a policy paper or brief identifying a problem in their community. Students should refer back to their discussions from earlier in the inquiry. Describe what the problem is and provide suggestions for how it may be resolved. A policy paper or brief should include some background information, analysis of the problem, options, recommendations, and a conclusion that summarizes the analysis and recommendation.
Featured Sources 3
For this section, students will be required to find sources themselves. Using school and public library resources, and the internet, they will need to search for newspapers, periodicals, journals, books, interviews, photographs, and other primary and secondary sources to find evidence to support their arguments and claims.