KNAC Project Option #3: Impacts of Colonization

General Overview: This research project will examine the impact of exploration, movement, and colonization in the Atlantic world from a social, economic, technological, and/or political perspective. One aspect of the impact should be evaluated and traced over at least a century of activity. In conclusion, this research project will analyze the remnant of that impact that can still be evidenced today in the Americas, Africa, Caribbean, and/or Europe.

Examples: The development of new international law in relation to discoveries of European nations; The environmental or cultural impact of European or American commodities moved across the Atlantic (potatoes, sugar, grain crops, etc); The migration of different groups in the New World in specific places of settlement and their cultural legacy (which can include voluntary and involuntary migrants, ie: slaves, colonizers from differing nations, etc).

Research Objectives & Questions to be Discussed in Your Essay:

• What were the short- and long-term effects of the impact on various groups of people affected by your chosen topic?
• How did groups of people and/or societies behave prior to the impact?
• How were people and/or societies benefited and harmed by the impact (negative and positive outcomes)
• What are evidences of the legacy of this impact that can still be seen today?

General Research Essay Requirements

• Your completed essay must be at least 850 words. All essays must be double-spaced, using margins to not exceed 1", and using a font that is no larger than 12 pt.
• Do not include any headers with name, course, paper titles, etc. If a student wishes to include this information, it must be contained on a single cover sheet.
• The essay must include at least one primary AND one secondary source (explanation of the differences can be found here).
• The essay must include one image that is either a primary or secondary document. The image should have a caption of 50-100 words explaining its relevance to the essay project. The image can be embedded within the text essay or attached as a separate page.
• Cite all sources used for research. The preferred citation style for the essay is the Turabian/Chicago style. Common citation styles for this format can be found at the University of Chicago Press Turabian Citation Guide website.
• All KNAC projects must contain a Works Cited page, and must use either footnotes or endnotes; Works Cited and notations do not count toward required page/word count of the project.
• Submit the finished project through the assignment link shown below Option 4. Attach all documents (essay, supporting documentation, illustrations, journals, etc.). Submission of the essay portion must be in a .doc or .docx file type.