In this assignment, you will write a research paper on any Nixon-related topic of your choice. Here are some options, but you are free to choose another, as long as it is Nixon-centric. During the two weeks of April, you will each make a 5-minute Power-Point-free class presentation on your topic. (You may post graphs or video clips on the class blog.)
- Analyze a depiction of Nixon in a movie, novel, play, or TV show. What is the literary or political purpose of the portrayal? Is it accurate, or at least true to Nixon's character?
- Explain a major Nixon decision in foreign policy or national security. What military, diplomatic and political considerations went into his choice? And what do we know now that was not public knowledge at the time?
- Choose any major figure in Nixon's life (not counting anyone you may have written about in the second assignment). How did this person influence Nixon's life and career? Did this person serve as friend, foe, mentor, foil, punching bag -- or some combination thereof? What did Nixon gain or lose as a result of the relationship? In your answer, consider the historical circumstances that allowed this person to have this influence.
Document your claims. Do not write from the top of your head.
- Essays should be typed (12-point), double-spaced, and no more than eight pages long. I will not read past the eighth page. As always, please submit papers to the Sakai dropbox as Word documents, not pdfs.
- Cite your sources with endnotes in Chicago/Turabian style. Endnote pages do not count against the page limit.
- Watch your spelling, grammar, diction, and punctuation. Errors will count against you.
- Due date is 11:59 PM on April 12. Papers will drop a gradepoint for one day's lateness, a full letter grade after that.
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