Literature & Language Arts
- Fiction Analysis:
- Explore the use of symbolism in a specific novel you’ve studied. Analyze how symbolic elements contribute to the story’s themes, character development, and overall meaning.
- Analyze the development of a central character throughout a chosen work. Discuss the character’s motivations, internal conflicts, and how their experiences transform them over the course of the narrative.
- Discuss the author’s portrayal of social or historical issues in a selected text. Analyze how the author uses literary devices to reflect the realities of a specific time period or social context.
- Poetry Interpretation:
- Deconstruct the use of figurative language in a chosen poem. Identify metaphors, similes, personification, and other figures of speech, and analyze how they contribute to the poem’s imagery and meaning.
- Analyze the poem’s structure and how it contributes to meaning. Consider elements like rhyme scheme, meter, and stanza form, and how they shape the poem’s rhythm and overall effect.
- Explore the historical context and cultural influences on a specific poem. Research the poet’s background, the social and political climate of the time period, and how these factors influenced the poem’s themes and style.
- Writing & Rhetoric:
- Discuss the importance of effective communication in achieving social change. Analyze how persuasive writing and rhetoric can be used to raise awareness, mobilize support, and advocate for social justice causes.
- Analyze the persuasive techniques used in a particular advertisement. Identify the target audience, the emotional appeals used, and the logical fallacies (if any) employed to influence consumer behavior.
- Explore the evolution of a specific writing style or genre throughout history. Trace the development of the form, considering the influence of social, political, and technological advancements on writing styles.
History & Social Sciences
- World History:
- Analyze the causes and consequences of a major historical event. Choose an event that interests you, such as the American Revolution, the French Revolution, or the fall of the Roman Empire. Research the contributing factors, key players, and long-lasting impacts of the event.
- Discuss the impact of a specific historical figure on the course of history. Analyze the leader’s decisions, achievements, and failures, and how they shaped the trajectory of a nation or region.
- S. History:
- Analyze the role of social movements in shaping American politics and society. Choose a specific movement, like the Civil Rights Movement or the Women’s Suffrage Movement, and discuss its goals, tactics, and lasting impact.
- Discuss the ethical considerations surrounding historical preservation and interpretation. Consider the importance of acknowledging uncomfortable truths from the past while balancing historical accuracy with sensitivity.
- Political Science:
- Analyze the rise of populism in contemporary politics. Evaluate the factors contributing to its emergence, its potential benefits and drawbacks, and the impact on traditional political structures.
- Discuss the challenges and potential solutions for promoting greater political participation among young people. Analyze the reasons for apathy, explore strategies to increase engagement, and consider the importance of civic education.
- Psychology & Sociology:
- Explore the concept of cultural identity and its impact on individual development and well-being. Discuss the importance of embracing diversity while fostering a sense of belonging within multicultural societies.
- Analyze the impact of social media on mental health, particularly among young people. Discuss the potential for anxiety, depression, and issues of self-esteem while considering the positive aspects of social connection online.