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History 181B:  Modern Physics
Longer research assignment:
Presentation option
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Parameters For the longer research assignment you have two options:  an individual paper or in-class group presentation.  If you choose the presentation option, you will form a group of 2-4 students (your choice how many and whom) to give a 15-20 minute presentation for the rest of the class.
Topics Possible topics and dates:
 
Experimental methods for differentiating and identifying the various sorts of radioactivity, up to ca. 1908 2/12 available
The Imperial Physico-Technical Institute in Berlin and its role in Planck's work on the quantum 2/16 available
How a laser works:  what Einstein figured out, and why it was not immediately implemented 2/26 available
American scientists' contributions to quantum theory, up to ca. 1927 3/9 available
Work in the 1930s on energy production by stars 3/21 available
How Oppenheimer and Lawrence were brought to Berkeley 4/4 taken
Max Planck's decisions under National Socialism 4/9 taken
The "Scientists' Movement" in politics after WWII 4/16 taken
In exceptional circumstances, you may propose a topic of your own.  Speak to me if you wish to take this route.
Preparation You will research your subject in the secondary and (as far as possible) the primary literature.  A good place to start is the collection of books on reserve in the Physics Library;  I am also glad to give leads on sources.  After gathering your materials, you will work out what and how to present.  You must consider how to make your presentation interesting and persuasive, including tools like handouts or visual aids.  You will need to set aside time to rehearse as a group.

You must also provide me a list of your sources with full bibliographic information. (For guidance on citation format see the Teaching Library's introduction;  either MLA or Turabian is acceptable.)
Evaluation Your grade will be based on correctness of content and quality of presentation.  Your presentation needs to be organized, well thought-through, and pedagogically effective.  Sticking to the time limit is part of the assignment!
Logistics Contact me to determine if a topic is available.  If desired, I will mediate among individuals seeking partners, though the ultimate formation of groups is up to you.  I encourage you to come talk with me and stay in touch;  ask me well in advance if you need help preparing handouts or getting access to media services.  How you divide up the work within the groups is your own affair, but all group members must speak in the in-class presentation.
 Warning The presentation makes up a substantial component of your grade -- more, for instance, than the midterm.  Do not take it lightly.
Copyright © Cathryn Carson 2001