Lauren Winn
Mrs. Belanger
Modern American History
March 14th, 2013
Process Paper:
Topic Choice:
The topic I decided to choose for my project is Jazz in the 1920’s, which includes the Jazz Age and the Harlem Renaissance. The introduction of jazz in the United States throughout the twenties was a crucial turning point for the country. I am also extremely passionate about music, therefore by making this topic my focal point, I am gaining great knowledge and a very worthwhile experience.
Research:
I have conducted my research so far by looking in encyclopedias, online reference sources, books from the school library and various websites for secondary sources that can provide some details about my topic. Surprisingly, there have been some good days where I have found more than necessary, yet other days have been more of a struggle, especially searching for primary sources. The hunt for those became much easier after getting the hang of the library reference sources. Unfortunately, I have found that finding primary sources has been beyond difficult. Some of the most impressive sources I have are probably Jazz: The First Century by John Edward Hasse & the recording website, AllMusic.com. The book by Hasse was a great source because it supplied abundant information about my topic with many details that can help me view my argument from different angles. The recording website provided a place for most people to order a CD online, but for me the 40 provided vintage recordings from the ‘20’s will be used in my presentation as examples of wonderful music that changed the country.
Category Choice:
For my final presentation, I am so excited to be creating a website to display the research I have worked hard to compile. I think a website will be a great and organized way for me to show the work I've gathered about this topic.
Connection to Theme:
The theme for National History Day this year is all about turning points. Music in the 1920’s changed how people would view music forever and even changed the social lives of most people living in the twenties. Prohibition and organized crime ran rampant through the decade and music was a safe haven for expression and fun. Music helped the nation progress by giving it a way to express itself. Before jazz changed everything, races were so distinct and prejudiced. With jazz, races could come together and bond over a mutual hobby and source of entertainment. America and its citizens were so held back before, and now they could let loose and fuel their creativity.
Mrs. Belanger
Modern American History
March 14th, 2013
Process Paper:
Topic Choice:
The topic I decided to choose for my project is Jazz in the 1920’s, which includes the Jazz Age and the Harlem Renaissance. The introduction of jazz in the United States throughout the twenties was a crucial turning point for the country. I am also extremely passionate about music, therefore by making this topic my focal point, I am gaining great knowledge and a very worthwhile experience.
Research:
I have conducted my research so far by looking in encyclopedias, online reference sources, books from the school library and various websites for secondary sources that can provide some details about my topic. Surprisingly, there have been some good days where I have found more than necessary, yet other days have been more of a struggle, especially searching for primary sources. The hunt for those became much easier after getting the hang of the library reference sources. Unfortunately, I have found that finding primary sources has been beyond difficult. Some of the most impressive sources I have are probably Jazz: The First Century by John Edward Hasse & the recording website, AllMusic.com. The book by Hasse was a great source because it supplied abundant information about my topic with many details that can help me view my argument from different angles. The recording website provided a place for most people to order a CD online, but for me the 40 provided vintage recordings from the ‘20’s will be used in my presentation as examples of wonderful music that changed the country.
Category Choice:
For my final presentation, I am so excited to be creating a website to display the research I have worked hard to compile. I think a website will be a great and organized way for me to show the work I've gathered about this topic.
Connection to Theme:
The theme for National History Day this year is all about turning points. Music in the 1920’s changed how people would view music forever and even changed the social lives of most people living in the twenties. Prohibition and organized crime ran rampant through the decade and music was a safe haven for expression and fun. Music helped the nation progress by giving it a way to express itself. Before jazz changed everything, races were so distinct and prejudiced. With jazz, races could come together and bond over a mutual hobby and source of entertainment. America and its citizens were so held back before, and now they could let loose and fuel their creativity.