best topics for history coursework

History Coursework: how to Choose the Best Question

  • Dr Janet Rose
  • June 13, 2020

So, just when you thought your first A-level History year was over and you could relax before tackling next year, you have to think about your history coursework. This will be the non-exam assessment (NEA) or Historical Investigation.  It can cause a lot of angst amongst students but taking some time and thinking it through carefully before you start can make the world of difference.

1. Choose to study something interesting for your history coursework

If you have the chance to choose whichever topic you like for your history coursework and set your own question, or if you are given a list of different topics, choose one you are genuinely interested in. You will be working on this piece for months, so it makes sense to choose something that will hold your interest.

2. Make sure there are no clashes with your other topics

In practice, there are constraints set by the various exam boards to make sure that your topic does not overlap with the components you are already studying for your A level or Pre U. Your exam centre (school, college or independent centre) will need to have your question approved by the exam board and they will not approve a topic with an obvious overlap. For example, if you are already studying the Tudors for AQA, it is unlikely that you can  study a topic set in England between 1485 to 1603. Therefore, if you are setting your own question, ask yourself if it overlaps in date or topic with one of your components. If it does, you will need to find an alternative. Each exam board has slightly different rules, so check on their website to see what the rules are for your exam board.

3. Find your source material early

For your history coursework, you will need to find two types of source material – primary and secondary:

P rimary sources are those that were written at the time and you will also need to find a range of these to support your investigation. To achieve high marks you should look for a variety of primary sources, for example, a letter, a report, a painting, a speech etc.

Secondary sources are scholarly books or articles by historians, or what the a-level exam boards call ‘interpretations.’ this means that your investigation will only be viable if historians have written about the topic and, preferably, argued over it. you will need to understand the arguments that provide a framework for your chosen topic. historians call this the historiography..

Therefore, the question you set yourself will only be able to achieve high marks if you make sure there are both secondary sources (scholarly argument) and primary sources (original material) to support your investigation. If you cannot find these, you should re-think your question.

History Coursework

4. Remember you actually have to answer the question!

It sounds really obvious – but remember that you actually have to answer the question you set yourself!  You need to choose something that is achievable in the time frame and gives you a good chance of success. A good question will give you a framework within which to research and write – you are looking for something that is not too vague nor too wide.

You also need something that you can address in the historical time frame (e.g. around 100 years for AQA) and a topic that you can analyse and evaluate in approximately 3, 500 words (check the word limit for your own exam board). In practice, any question that is too wide, too vague or unlikely to be achievable should be vetoed either by your school/college/independent centre or the exam board. However, this will waste your valuable time and is not totally foolproof, so choose an achievable project to give yourself a fighting chance of achieving that elusive A grade.

5. Choose a good format for your history coursework question

The standard ‘for and against’ question format will always be a good choice and will give you a framework within which to set your investigation. There are various ways to word such a question e.g. ‘How far…’, To what extent…’ ‘Within the context of … how important was…’ which will give you a clear framework and a direction for your investigation. Keep it simple is good advice here. Remember, though, to define your framework by including the date range in your question. For example ‘Within the context of 1790 to 1890, how important was…?’

Done well, the NEA or Personal Investigation will teach you a huge amount about how historians work, how sources are used and how to construct an argument. This will help you enormously when you come to the final exams and it can be a very valuable contribution to your qualification. It can also be enjoyable as it is your first chance to ‘do’ some real historical research. Choose your question with care and you automatically give yourself a head start.

Exam Board History Coursework Guidance

AQA Guidance

Cambridge Pre U Guidance

OCR Guidance

Edexcel Guidance

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Cool History Topics: 151 Great Historical Events & Ideas

best topics for history coursework

History is one of the most fascinating and influential fields of study. It’s not merely a narration of the events of the past but a constant search for answers. It’s a re-examination of our human experience and understanding of how far we have come.

There are thousands of interesting history topics that a student can write an essay about. From ancient tribes to the modern world issues, there are plenty of things to explore. However, you might still find it challenging to work on your history project, presentation, or research paper.

There are a few reasons why:

First of all, there are too many choices to pick one. Secondly, when it comes to history, saying something new and genuinely original is tough. A lot of people try to find a research topic that will be fun to write about. You can feel as if all the ideas were already examined.

This is why our team has come together to provide you with this list of cool history topics to write about. Find some unique and fresh ideas on our page!

For some students, picking a popular topic in history is not enough. They want something unique and cool. If you are one of these students, this list can give you some fresh ideas on cool history topics to write about.

  • ✨ Top Interesting Topics
  • 😎 What Idea is Cool?
  • 🥇 Important Events
  • 📌 10 Cool Events
  • ✨ Popular Topics
  • 💡 American History
  • 🌍 World History
  • 🏺 Ancient History

✨ 15 Interesting History Topics

  • World Wonders.
  • Chernobyl Disaster.
  • Ancient Egypt.
  • The Cold War.
  • The Red Scare.
  • The Holocaust.
  • Edo Period.
  • Famous Italian Painters.
  • The Civil War.
  • The 20 th Century.
  • Thirty Years’ War.
  • South African Apartheid.
  • Modern World History.
  • Eiffel Tower.
  • The Great Depression.

😎 What Is a Cool History Topic?

You may still wonder whether the topic you chose to talk about is cool enough. Well, you can ask people around you to determine. Don’t settle for a random history topic. Make sure it is worth your time.

Talk to your friends, your family, and people you know. Question them about the most important event in world history. It is a good topic to talk about with your friends and learn about exciting events in history. Another great option would be looking up free college essays collected in a samples database. They usually cover a variety of topics and include numerous paper types.

If you don’t have time, this list will give you ideas about some cool history topics to write about. Consider the options, pick the most engaging one, and start your paper.

🥇 Most Important Historical Events

Selecting one of the events that changed the world is a daunting task for anyone. You might ask, with everything that has happened in the past 5000 years, how can you choose what was the most important?

Thousands of historical events and figures shaped our world.

Here is our list of the most important historical events ever:

  • Alexander the Great: the political and cultural impact of Alexander the Great’s Conquest . Alexander the Great was one of the most influential kings of the ancient world. In the essay about his political and cultural impact, talk about his military campaigns. How did he, by the age of 30, create one of the biggest Empires in the world? Allow the readers to see how big and powerful the empire was. Elaborate on the legacy that Alexander the Great left after his death.
  • The Factors that contributed to the dissolution of the Roman Empire . Historians agree on several factors that contributed to it. At the beginning of the essay, identify them. You can also decide to focus on several factors that seem the most important.
  • Islam and Christianity Impact on the Middle Ages
  • Nudity in the paintings of the Italian Renaissance
  • Leonardo Da Vinci: Artist, Scientist, Inventor . An essay about this person is destined to be intriguing. Leonardo Da Vinci was one of the most captivating figures in the history of humankind. Just imagine: he was an artist, a scientist, and an inventor at the same time. You can pick several most important paintings to talk about. How about The Mona Lisa or The Last Supper?
  • Could World War II be prevented?
  • How will historians remember the 2010s?
  • Heroes after the Middle Ages
  • Impact of the Black Death: the greatest population disaster
  • American family’s changes since the 20th century
  • Racism and Education in the United States . In this essay, students should focus on the history of discrimination in the United States. You can talk about Brown versus The Board of Education but try to go a bit further. Think about disproportionate funding in the public education sector. See if there is a connection with the minorities. Where do they live and go to school?
  • Was there a need to drop the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
  • The Fall of Constantinople – the greatest capital in the world. Your tutor will most probably expect you to write about the greatness of the city. But this essay topic should focus on the fall of it. Talk about the last decades of the city and about the most important factors that contributed to the fall of it.
  • What were the effects of Gutenberg’s Printing Press? The printing revolutions started after Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press. It’s another transformational event in world history. It was crucial in the development of the Renaissance, Reformation, and the Age of Enlightenment. This topic has a lot of things you can talk about.
  • The Ideology of Colonialism
  • Paradoxicality of Christianity and Slavery. Not many people know, but Christian slaveholders used religion to justify slavery. They usually picked up verses from the book of Genesis and interpreted them in the manner that served their needs. Sometimes they used the New Testament to justify slavery. You could compare the attitude early Christians had towards slaves and how it changed.
  • The scar of colonialism and the presence of post-colonialism
  • Impact of the American revolution on women. Women played an integral part during the revolution. Depending on their social status, their involvement varied. They affected the revolution a lot, but also the revolution had a great impact on them. Women did not have any political voice in Colonial America. So, see how it changed after the American Revolution was over.

An essay topic about women in American Revolution.

  • The Rise and Fall of Napoleon
  • Culture, work, and social change after the Industrial Revolution
  • Why was the Declaration of Independence written?
  • French Revolution: why Marie Antoinette lost her head?
  • The importance of the Berlin Wall in the Cold War
  • Communism Collapse in the USSR . Write about what caused the collapse of the Soviet Union. Discuss Gorbachev’s decision to democratize the Soviet Union and how people reacted to it. Write about the impact that the collapse of the Soviet Union had around the world.

📌 10 Cool Events in History to Write About

  • The Apollo 11 Landing – 1969.
  • Formation of the UN – 1945.
  • The Suffrage Movement – 1847-1920.
  • The American Revolution – 1775-1783.
  • Fall of the Wall – 1989.
  • The Gunpowder Plot – 1605.
  • Discover of DNA – 1860s.
  • 20th Century Space Race – 1955-1975.
  • The Trojan War – 12th Century BCE.
  • The Renaissance – 15th-16th Century.

✨ Most Popular History Topics

This list is great if those who want to pick one of the famous topics in history. The selected ideas have a great depth to them. They are relevant and will be excellent to write about. You will be able to find information in history encyclopedias, journals, articles, and podcasts.

Moreover, your classmates and teacher will like your research too. Here’s our list of popular history essay topic:

  • The Industrial Revolution and how did it change England
  • The Civil Rights Movement in the United States . Elaborate on the political climate before the civil rights movements. Discuss the events that triggered it in the United States. What was the movement able to achieve? If you choose this essay topic, be ready to have a strong opinion about it.
  • Martin Luther King: the life and death. Another idea that, in a way, relates to the civil rights movement essay topic. It’s impossible to explore race relationships without talking about Martin Luther King. He was a bright and influential individual. For sure, this essay topic is among the most popular ones.
  • The autobiography of Malcolm X
  • French Revolution and the Napoleonic Era
  • Causes of the 1812 war . Write about the immediate causes and the remote causes of the 1812 war. You can also talk about the groups that opposed the war and the groups that supported it.
  • Why did William win the battle of Hastings?
  • Mongol’s Conquest Causes, Battles, and Results
  • Music and paintings during the Renaissance in Italy
  • Compare British and American slavery. Examine the differences and similarities between British and American slavery. For a very long time, historians believed that the Southern type of slavery was harsher. Think about it and examine the evidence that you have. You can use slave diaries and the novels they wrote about their experiences.
  • Dehumanizing psychology of slavery: does it still exist?
  • Transatlantic Slave Trade: from West Africa to the Americas
  • African-American cultural identity
  • The history of Buddhism
  • The lasting impact of Karl Marx’s works. Karl Marx was not a politician, nor he ever considered implementing his ideas. However, not that long after his death, his works were picked up. They were interpreted and revolutionized. This is a great essay topic for everyone who is looking for an engaging theme to write about.

Essay topics about Karl Marx's influence.

  • The history of math
  • The fall of the Roman Empire and the rise of feudalism
  • When did Pearl Harbor become a naval base?
  • Economic Recession in the United States in the 2000s
  • Mental Illness in America: Nellie Bly, Kate Chopin, and Charlotte Perkins Gilman
  • Canadian history through sports. Canada is all about sports. In this essay, write about how the image of Canada was continuously shaped by sports victories. It’s a fascinating and cool topic to explore.
  • The space race during the Cold War
  • Positive and Negative Effects of the Cold War. The Cold War was a different type of conflict. While it created a lot of calamity and negativity, there were some positive sides to it as well. Talk about those effects. For instance, focus on political stability, or economic growth, or the space race.
  • The history of aviation
  • Post-Civil war reconstruction in American history
  • The role of Capitalism and the life of workers
  • Arab-Israeli conflict

🔥 Top 76 Coolest History Topics

If you are looking for the coolest history topic, you are in the right place. Find a title that interests you personally and start writing. Be sure the process of writing won’t be tedious. Instead, it should make you curious about more historical events of the past.

We combined this list of topics to help you get inspired.

💡 Cool American History Topics

  • How did the Civil War affect the distribution of wealth in the United States?
  • The 1992 Los Angeles Riots
  • African Communities in America . African Communities in America have a long history. It’s full of discrimination, slavery, the oppression. Despite all of that, African communities in the United States are among the fastest-growing.
  • Condition of Women and Minorities During the War
  • The first wave of immigration to the United States
  • Racism and segregation in the US
  • The first civilizations of the Native Americans
  • Did Barack Obama change America? Barack Obama was the first African American President in the United States. Look at the political reforms, foreign and immigration policies implemented during his presidency. Then, try to answer this question for yourself.
  • A bill of rights and an amendment
  • The origins of automobile drag racing in the U.S.

Drag racing first appeared in California.

  • How did the highway system change US culture? America has one of the best highways in the world. All thanks to the 1921 Federal-Aid Highway Act and 1956 Federal-Aid Highway Acts. They led to a highway system to become faster and even more efficient. It allowed America to be interconnected. Talk about the effects it had on economic, political, cultural life.
  • Events after the Pearl Harbor invasion
  • The American red and blue state divide . Every single state had both conservative and liberal voters. However, since the 2000 United States Presidential elections, blue and red states were referred. The respective voters predominantly choose the Democratic party or the Republican party. In this essay, write about this divide. Talk about the differences between both groups of voters.
  • The development of clinical psychology in America
  • The founders of clinical psychology in the United States. In this essay, talk about the founders of clinical psychology in the United States. Discuss what is clinical psychology and what makes it different from general psychology. Explore how this field evolved in the world and how it started in the United States.
  • African American soldiers during the Vietnam War
  • Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War
  • How did the media shape Americans’ perceptions of the Vietnam War?
  • Native American Weaponry
  • History of American Stock Market
  • How did the Great Depression end?

🌍 Cool World History Topics

  • How Capitalism beat Communism
  • The Cold war and its consequences for the world
  • How Genghis Khan conquered Persia
  • How Aborigines made Australia
  • The history of the Mayan Civilization
  • How did women’s rights in America change over the last century. In this essay, talk about how far women’s rights advanced in the previous century. Look at the 1920 and 2020 to see what actual steps were taken and what has been changed.

Interesting history topic for a research paper.

  • The most important events in the history of the Ottoman Empire.
  • Enlightening and Revolution: Europe and India
  • Gender Inequality and Socio-Economic Development
  • The Decolonization of Africa. The road to independence for African countries was paved with blood and tears. The decolonization of Africa is a period between 1950 and 1975. During this time, African countries fought for independence. Examine the external and internal causes. Elaborate on the economic and political effects of decolonization.
  • The influences between Greece, Egypt, and Rome.
  • Nuclear Arms Race between the US and the USSR
  • Chairman Mao and the Great Chinese Revolution
  • History of Modern South Africa. This beautiful Southern African nation had extremely upsetting pages in its modern history. From nationalism to apartheid, terrorism, and racial segregation and oppression. Nowadays, South Africa is among one of the strongest economies in Africa. In this essay topic, you have a lot to talk about.
  • The importance of teaching boys and girls about gender equality
  • The social psychology of gender inequality
  • Women in World War II
  • China in Revolution
  • History of Jews and the Holocaust
  • European Image of the African 1400-1600
  • American and French Revolution
  • What happened at the Nuremberg trials? Talk about the Nuremberg trials and what is the importance of it. Gladly, we have the trials recorded, so you can just see it for yourself.
  • History of the Cuban Missile Crisis. This moment during the Cold War is crucial. The confrontation is considered the closest the Cold War came to escalating into a nuclear war. Comment on the blockade, the international response. How did the crisis end? What effect did this event have for the people of Cuba?
  • The European Union and the European crisis
  • East versus West
  • Totalitarian regimes in Germany and USSR

Osip Mandelstram We Live Not Feeling 1934 quote.

🏺 Cool Ancient History Topics

  • Mesopotamian influence on the Oman Peninsula
  • Why were the pyramids built? This essay will be fun to write about. Who isn’t intrigued by the Egyptian pyramids? There are plenty of legends, stories, and myths that surround the architectural monuments. We suggest you look into the facts. Make your arguments based on proven historical findings and evidence.
  • The kings of Ancient Egypt
  • Alexander the Great’s Reign
  • Fall of the Ancient Roman Empire. The fall of the Ancient Roman Empire, without any doubt, is one of the most important historical topics. Explore how gradual the process of decline was. Discuss the military, political, and financial reasons for the fall.
  • The culture of Ancient Greece
  • Race in Ancient Egypt
  • Religion in Ancient Greece
  • The government organization of Ancient Rome
  • Life of Julius Caesar. Julius Caesar wasn’t only an Emperor. He was a writer, philosopher, and historian. In this essay, talk about military victories of the Roman leader. Explore his influence on the rise of the Roman empire and the demise of the Roman Republic.
  • Agricultural aspects of ancient Egypt
  • Social issues of ancient Egyptians
  • History of Athenian democracy
  • Factors that influenced the development of human civilizations
  • The military forces of the Roman Empire
  • Famous scholars of Ancient Greece. Some of the most influential and prominent philosophers of all time were from Ancient Greece. Socrates, Sophocles, Plato, Aristotle, and many others. Don’t try to write about each one of them. Instead, elaborate on the position the poets and the philosophers had in the Ancient Greek Society.
  • Evolution of Greek Acropolis

Acropolis fact.

  • The societies of Ancient Mesoamerica
  • Romans and Barbarians: the decline of the Roman Empire
  • The daily life of the ancient Maya
  • Maya, Aztec, and Inca collapse
  • Civilization in Mesopotamia and Egypt
  • Historical analysis of Sparta and its pop-culture depiction. Do you have a favorite movie or a book about Sparta? Compare the depiction with historical facts. Write about the differences and similarities between these two representations. Think about why it is so frequently used in pop culture.
  • Hunting and gathering societies in the Americas
  • The fall of Pompeii. Pompeii was an ancient city buried under the ashes left after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Due to this sudden event, historians can examine the life of the people of Pompeii. It remained almost untouched. Several historians recorded first-hand accounts of Mount Vesuvius’ eruption. Read them to have a vivid picture of what was going on in the city before the tragedy.
  • The battle of Pharsalus
  • The Western Roman Empire: the significance of its collapse
  • The Great Wall of China: cultural and historical analysis

The length of the Great Wall of China.

Being able to select your essay topic can seem like a lot of fun at the beginning. However, it is also a big responsibility and a challenge at times. Hopefully, one of these essay topics will help you with the ideas for your essay.

Thank you for reading it, and the best of luck with your assignment! Leave a comment below and share the article with those who may need it.

🔗 References

  • The 10 Most Important Moments and Events in History: Rebecca Graf for Owlcation
  • Psychology Research Paper Topics, 50+ Great Ideas: Kendra Cherry for Verywell Mind
  • Historical Topics: In-Depth Articles from HistoryExtra
  • History Topics: National Women’s History Museum
  • Hot Topics in World History: World History Center, University of Pittsburgh
  • World History Topic: Newspapers.com
  • Effective Writing: Grammar Rules
  • Cliché, Examples and Definition of Cliché: Literary Devices
  • Writing Guides: Colorado State University
  • What Good Writers Know: Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning
  • Resources: University of Alberta
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best topics for history coursework

The top 10 most popular history topics taught to A-level students – in pictures

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Although modern history is favoured, the Tudors still prove popular, according to new research by the exam group Cambridge Assessment, which looked at what options schools chose from the OCR history course

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best topics for history coursework

The Big Leap: Top Tips for History Coursework moving from A-Levels to University

│By Lydia Clarke, Gale Ambassador at the University of Leeds│

Moving to a completely new place is incredibly challenging. After A-Levels, I know the last thing you want to think about is university assignments, but I promise they are not that scary. Whilst there is sadly not a magical wand to whisk away university stress, this blog post will hopefully help you manage your coursework without burning out. Gale Primary Sources digital archives were massively helpful for me to find relevant primary source material and get to grips with practising my critical thinking skills. I will demonstrate how in my first year at university I used a book I found in Eighteenth Century Collections Online to apply and evaluate my analysis of the debate about gender studies in history for my coursework.

How does History Coursework vary from A-Levels to University?

Looking back as a second-year undergraduate student, I think the most noticeable variation for me was incorporating primary sources. For my A-Levels, secondary sources reigned supreme as I explored scholarly research platforms like Google Scholar and JSTOR to evaluate my interpretation of Anne Boleyn’s downfall.

Harrison, Charles. "At a Fancy Ball." Punch, vol. 122, no. 3188, 22 Jan. 1902, p. 72

This experience greatly helped me learn how to research other historians’ arguments and how they fit into a wider historiographical debate, but it left me with no knowledge of how to find primary sources beyond those we were given for our course. In my first year of university, this was a major obstacle because I didn’t know where to begin when lecturers repeatedly emphasised the importance of finding primary sources to include.

Following my seminar tutor’s advice to explore the subject databases linked on the University Libraries’ website, I came across Eighteenth Century Collections Online which introduced me to the millions of sources in Gale Primary Sources digital archives. It has been my go-to whenever I need to find further primary sources for my modules because of the wide variety available.

Tips on How to Approach your History Coursework

With fewer contact hours and clashing deadlines, experimenting with when you work to find out what times you’re more productive, can help university seem less overwhelming. Keeping an online or physical diary and following a little and often approach can make coursework more manageable by breaking it down into sections, rather than trying to do everything at once.

Everyone works differently, so it is vital to figure out where you work best. University offers choices of study spaces to keep you engaged whether it’s the library, local cafes, and your accommodation. I have found switching up my study spaces every so often helps me to maximise my concentration. This can be great as well if you experience writer’s block to help give you a fresh perspective.

The sooner you start your coursework the better. This has most likely been said since the dawn of time, and I wouldn’t blame you for rolling your eyes, but it really does give you more breathing room to pursue wider reading beyond the module reading list, ask any questions you come across and time to redraft any changes you might want to make.

You need to live and breathe mark schemes. It may seem obvious, but unlike A-Levels university has no past papers, so mark schemes are the only resource to see how exactly tutors will assess your work. It doesn’t mean there’s one right way to write your assignments, but they can be very useful to inform which aspects to dedicate the most time and effort towards.

The Tips in Action

One of the first ever essays I had to do was review the historiography surrounding gender history and apply my evaluations to critically analyse a primary source. It was then I started to explore Eighteenth Century Collections Online for potentially relevant sources. Navigating databases is straightforward once you know how but takes practice to figure out how to get the most useful search results. Going into any archive you will most likely be confronted with a page like this:

Screenshot of the Search Bar from Eighteenth Century Collections Online

In my debate review, I concluded that dual analytical approach of descriptive and causal analysis with restrained intersectional scope was the best method for historians to analyse gender’s historical significance.  I observed that factors like marriage, sexuality, and religion were key areas historians investigated to understand how over time stereotypical gender roles were used to socially construct gender identity. The late eighteenth century proved to be a particularly contested period for historians, so I knew I needed to find a source which reflected these themes and timeframe.

Rather like how I would search for secondary sources in my university library, the advance search feature allowed me to narrow down my results by key search terms, and filter my results by publication date:

Screenshot of the Advanced Search from Eighteenth Century Collections Online

Starting earlier gave me time to read widely about the overall debate for how the gender history approach should be carried out, and to closely examine the mark scheme which revealed that applying our findings to analyse our primary source was the most pivotal aspect of that particular coursework.

In the planning stages, I made a timetable separating my coursework into different stages, and I allocated the most time to researching and evaluating a primary source. The little and often approach allowed me the flexibility to stay productive, give myself time to unwind and keep refining my search results until I found the most useful source; Advice to Unmarried Women , a late eighteenth-century anonymous advice book, which exemplified the complicated relations between gender and religion at the time.  

Advice to unmarried women: to recover and reclaim the fallen; and to prevent the fall of others, into the snares and consequences of seduction. Printed for J. F. and C. Rivington, no 62, St. Paul's Church-Yard, MDCCXCI. [1791].

The Ultimate Advice

Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits all solution to approaching coursework from A-Levels to university, but the most important piece of advice I learned in my first year was to make sure to rest, whether that’s doing a society event, pursuing a hobby, or even just going for a walk. It’s easier said than done, but to be highly productive it’s essential to look after yourself beyond the bare essentials. University is a marathon, not a sprint.

If you enjoyed reading about how to manage your coursework, check out these posts:

  • Making Peace Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Primary Sources
  • An Undergraduate’s Companion: Finding Primary Sources Using Gale’s Alternative Search Tools
  • Using Primary Sources in Revision and Exam Preparation

Blog post cover image citation: Image from @windows on Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/photos/macbook-pro-on-brown-wooden-table-zSCHyhiRSeQ

Lydia Clarke

About the Author

Lydia is a second-year undergraduate history student at the University of Leeds. She can usually be found with her head in a book and is particularly passionate about studying gender history in and around the Early Modern Period and decolonising the curriculum in museums, heritage sites and educational institutions across Britain. When she’s not in the library Lydia loves playing tennis, going to her local pub quiz, listening to Taylor Swift, and crafting.

best topics for history coursework

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A brief introduction to US history

Unit 1: worlds collide (1491-1607), unit 2: colonial america (1607-1754), unit 3: the road to revolution (1754-1800), unit 4: the early republic (1800-1848), unit 5: the civil war era (1844-1877), unit 6: the gilded age (1865-1898), unit 7: rise to world power (1890-1945), unit 8: the postwar era (1945-1980), unit 9: the modern era (1980-present), unit 10: surveys of history, unit 11: primary documents.

Course Contents

About this course, course goals.

This Lumen Learning Waymaker U.S. History course aims to help students think critically about history and use historical thinking skills to describe, compare, contextualize, and construct historical arguments about major events in American history through 1877, from the European settling of the Americas to the Reconstruction Era.

  • Describe key historical trends, events, and figures in early American history
  • Examine historical figures and events from multiple, diverse perspectives, recognizing how American history is influenced by race, ethnicity, gender, class, religion, etc.
  • Think like a historian; make historical connections by studying historical narratives and arguments, analyzing documents, synthesizing information, evaluating cause and effect, and studying how things change over time.

Course Content

This course will guide students through a wealth of primary sources, readings, and videos tied to clear learning objectives designed to improve their critical thinking skills. Sample discussions and assignments are included. Key topics include early globalization and European exploration, colonial societies, the English Empire, America’s War for Independence, the creation of the American Republic, the industrial transformation, Jacksonian democracy, westward expansion, “King” Cotton and idealism in the antebellum South, the troubled 1850s, and the Civil War to Reconstruction.

This text for the course comes primarily from  OpenStax U.S. History and The American Yawp courses, but it has been extensively enhanced and embellished.

Course Highlights

The course includes additional narratives, practice questions, videos, quizzes, discussions, assignments, and slides. Other key course features include:

  • Every module will begin with a “Why It Matters” and conclude with a “Putting It Together” page that will help introduce students to content and provide relevance. Content will be adjusted to focus on connections and relevance.
  • More special features and sections have been included to create a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of history, as seen through multiple perspectives, recognizing how American history is influenced by race, ethnicity, gender, class, religion, etc.
  • Practice questions are included for every learning outcome. Primary source documents are included and interpreted throughout the text, and exercises will allow students to reflect on the content.
  • These small tutorials help students to learn and apply historical thinking skills. These skills are broken down into understandable chunks and give students an opportunity to practice important skills, such as interpreting primary source documents, citing sources, creating thesis statements, comparing perspectives, analyzing political cartoons and photographs, deciphering complex language, and thinking like a historian. These often involve looking closely at primary source documents, and include suggestions for further thought or accompanying in-class discussions.

Some of the materials inspiring the organization, content, and approach to pedagogy in the Waymaker U.S. History course include the following:

  • The AHA Tuning Project
  • Andrew Koch’s article, “ Many Thousands Failed: A Wakeup Call to History Educators ” and other  History Gateway Project recommended readings .
  • Indiana University’s History Learning Project bottlenecks and related work on Decoding the Discipline.

Course Improvements

We believe in making continuous improvements to our courses in order to enhance and facilitate student learning. This newest version of the course includes a vast number of data-driven improvements to assessment questions and text content in order to better illustrate, clarify, and evaluate concepts.

Contributors

This course was developed by Lumen Learning with significant contributions by:

Primary Content Authors Lillian Wills, Contributor Sarah Franklin, University of North Alabama Mark Lempke, SUNY Buffalo Marin Bryce, Contributor Scott Barr, Contributor Megan Coplen, Contributor Josie Jones, Contributor Erica Holland, Contributor Katherine Rippel, El Camino College Richard Zollars, Patrick Henry Community College Burton Kirkwood, Contributor CJ McClung, Contributor Fernando Reyes, Contributor

About Lumen

Lumen Learning courseware is based on open educational resources (OER). When we can find well designed, effective OER that are appropriately licensed, we use them in our courseware. When we can’t find pre-existing OER, we create original content and license it as OER (under a Creative Commons Attribution license).

Lumen’s authoring process doesn’t end when our courseware is released. Our choice to adopt open educational resources means that we have the copyright permissions necessary to engage in continuous improvement of our learning content. Consequently, our courses are continually being revised and updated. Errata reported for our courseware are fixed in a matter of days, as opposed to the traditional model in which errors persist until the next “edition” is printed (often a year or more). Students and faculty can suggest improvements to our courses directly from within the courseware as they use it. And we conduct regular analyses to determine where students are struggling the most in our courseware, and make improvements that specifically target these areas.

Given our unique approach, our list of authors and other contributors may look different than the lists you are used to seeing. We provide both a list of the primary content authors (the people involved in the initial creation of the course) and a list of everyone who has contributed suggestions and other improvements to the course since it was first released. We invite you to join us as we create courseware that supports student learning more effectively each semester.

If you’d like to connect with us to learn more about adopting this course, please Contact Us .

You can also make an appointment for OER Office Hours to connect virtually with a live Lumen expert about any question you may have.

  • About This Course. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution

What You Need to Know About Becoming a History Major

History majors learn to think critically about the past and how it influences the present and the future.

Becoming a History Major

Professor walking around campus with his students talking about it's history

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By taking classes that span regions and time periods, history majors will build an appreciation for the field’s vast scope.

History majors explore the past, seemingly able to move through time and space to understand distant societies and cultures, often becoming adept critical thinkers and writers during their rigorous studies. These reasoning and analytical abilities are useful beyond the scope of traditional professions for historians. Students likely to be a good fit for an undergraduate history program will be eager to make sense of complex stories and consider diverse perspectives of historical events.

What Is a History Major?

A history major is a degree path that teaches students to critically examine the past and become informed citizens. Unlike in some high school history courses, where students might spend most of their time memorizing dates and facts, undergraduate history majors focus on analysis and evaluation.

By taking classes that span regions and time periods, history majors can build an appreciation for the field’s vast scope. History degree requirements are often flexible, allowing students time to explore topics and eras that interest them. As they complete their degrees , students build the tools to understand links connecting the past, present and future. These majors have the opportunity to complete original research and apply the methods they observed in the classroom. Undergraduate history journals allow students to publish their best research papers.

Those looking to improve foreign language skills relevant to their history coursework might consider undergraduate study abroad programs. History majors can see artifacts and sites they have learned about through these programs. This hands-on experience is especially meaningful for students studying in parts of the world far from their college or university.

History major vs. political science major: What’s the difference?

While the subject matter covered in history and political science majors may appear similar, a primary difference is the perspective from which world events are viewed. History majors learn about the events of the past and the context in which they took place from a broader perspective. In contrast, political science majors examine events specifically through the lens of civics and government.

Common Coursework History Majors Can Expect 

Students pursuing a history degree can expect to learn not only about other parts of the world but also to understand the impact of history on current events and to see change as a gradual and eternal process. Students learn how to read and analyze primary sources and historical writings. Most historians become adept at contending with competing points of view.

Within the department, class offerings include surveys that provide intensive overviews of large geographic areas or lengthy periods. For instance, survey classes at the University of California, Los Angeles, include “Modern Latin America” and “History of Africa, 1800 to Present.”

Students can also sign up for courses that examine history through environmental or economic lenses. Some classes focus more narrowly on particular topics, such as the Cold War or the Mexican Revolution. These types of history courses allow students to learn about the complexities of particular historical moments. Course offerings vary by semester, so students should keep an eye out for classes that interest them.

Many history programs include chronological and geographic course requirements, asking students to become familiar with the premodern period and to explore multiple regions. History majors may also be required to complete a capstone course that concludes with a significant research paper.

How to Know if This Major Is the Right Fit for You

If you frequently ask questions about politics, war or culture and are unsatisfied with simple answers, a history major could be a good fit for you. History is a broad discipline, so curious students should explore the field before choosing a specific career path. Students should also be prepared to spend much of their time reading and writing and be able to interpret multiple, and sometimes conflicting, points of view.

Pick the Perfect Major

Discover the perfect major for you based on your innate wiring. The Innate Assessment sets you up for success by pairing you with majors, colleges and careers that fit your unique skills and abilities.

best topics for history coursework

What Can I Do With a History Major?

History majors might work as policy analysts, editors or paralegals after graduation. For students interested in teaching, some schools allow history majors to pursue teacher certification while completing their undergraduate requirements. History majors might also consider graduate study in fields including law, journalism, the arts or business. Students who earn master’s or doctorate degrees in history can look for jobs at colleges, universities and museums, among other institutions.

While certification is required for some jobs, like public schoolteacher, history majors in other roles may pursue other credentials to demonstrate their expertise, dive deeper into an area of interest or learn new skills to boost their career. A multimedia certificate might teach a journalist or other professional how to convey information digitally, while a community-based librarianship certificate might be a good addition for people who want to help others research and find information, for example. Archivists who meet education and work experience requirements and pass an exam can earn the certified archivist credential from the Academy of Certified Archivists .

Like other liberal arts degrees, studying history gives students communication and critical thinking skills that can be applied to a variety of career paths. Because the subject area is quite broad, however, whether history majors need additional education or certification before embarking on a career depends on the student’s ambitions and interests.

Data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' most recent estimates of annual salary by occupation and the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook .

What History Majors Say

"Majoring in history has enhanced my ability to develop nuanced opinions and articulate strong evidence-based arguments about the past and how it has influenced the present. My reading, writing, and analytical thinking skills have flourished as a result of my studies. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to get students involved in history by organizing guest speaker events and local field trips to historic sites as President of the University of Baltimore’s History Club. "My advice for anyone pursuing a degree in history is to seek connections with people with similar historical interests and keep in touch with them. Building a network will help you visualize the numerous possibilities that a history degree can unlock. Whether you plan to pursue a career in the field or not, the transferable skills gained through studying history are in high demand and offer a solid professional foundation."

– Lexzander Nebel Ernst , University of Baltimore, class of 2024.

"I honestly could not describe the history major itself in a short paragraph, because there is so much the field has to offer. From studying the social implications of the Central-African Independence movements of the mid-twentieth century to witchcraft in Medieval England, every history major’s experience will be slightly different. For me, history has opened the door to many opportunities at Clemson University, such as the ability to further specialize my education and research on what I find most fascinating. This includes collaborating with students who share similar interests, conducting research based on the work of other academics, and traveling the world to engage with history on a personal level. The study of history builds on itself in a similar way to how a complex skyscraper is constructed: there are many places where one can find their specialty in this interconnected project, and the whole of the field is erected with help from everyone involved."

– Matthew Ployhart , Clemson University, class of 2025.

"Being a history major is so cool because history is such a diverse field. We get to look at different periods, different artifacts, and specialize in things like public history, archives, and research-related paths. It has been such a meaningful experience to be able to research topics I am passionate about using historical data and context. Overall, history, as a major is such an important field that I think everyone should explore at least as an elective."

– Grace Holland , Middle Tennessee State University, class of 2024.

"The skills I’ve learned by studying history have proved to be very rewarding. Throughout college, I have been able to expand my reading, writing, and research skills. This is essential to succeed as a history major but also for college in general. The practice and development of these skills are also important for any future career. For example, the ability to comprehensively read long documents in a short amount of time is an important practice for future lawyers. Writing is important for even those who go into careers in STEM, as you will need to write up reports that clearly explain your ideas. The same also applies to the practice of researching, which is a very prominent activity for history majors. Being familiar with research databases and the analyzing of sources can apply to many career fields and prepare you for success. Due to how well-rounded the study of history is, to major in the subject is perfect for those who have many interests.”

– Lucy Manias , University of Kentucky, class of 2026.

Schools Offering a History Major

Schools offering history majors are below. Filter and sort our complete list of schools to search for those that meet your preferences and needs.

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Pass History Exams

A Level History Topics

  • Post author By admin
  • Post date October 9, 2021
  • No Comments on A Level History Topics

The following list of A Level History topics will help you to understand exactly which topics you are studying and how your course is broken down in terms of assessment. This post covers all the three main exam boards of AQA, Edexcel and OCR.

No matter which exam board and modules you are studying in order to get your best result at A Level History you will need to learn and improve certain techniques.

Pass A Level History – is our sister site, which shows you step by step, how to most effectively answer any A Level History extract, source or essay question. Please click the following link to visit the site and get access to your free preview lesson. www.passalevelhistory.co.uk

best topics for history coursework

AQA Assessment Breakdown

Historical Investigation (Coursework) – 20% of final grade

Breadth Study (Exam) – 40% of final grade

Depth Study (Exam) – 40% of final grade

AQA A Level History Topics

Component 1: Breadth study

1A The Age of the Crusades, c1071–1204

1B Spain in the Age of Discovery, 1469–1598

1C The Tudors: England, 1485–1603

1D Stuart Britain and the Crisis of Monarchy, 1603–1702

1E Russia in the Age of Absolutism and Enlightenment, 1682–1796

1F Industrialisation and the people: Britain, c1783–1885

1G Challenge and transformation: Britain, c1851–1964

1H Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855–1964

1J The British Empire, c1857–1967

1K The making of a Superpower: USA, 1865–1975

1L The quest for political stability: Germany, 1871–1991

Component 2: Depth study

2A Royal Authority and the Angevin Kings, 1154–1216

2B The Wars of the Roses, 1450–1499

2C The Reformation in Europe, c1500–1564

2D Religious conflict and the Church in England, c1529–c1570

2E The English Revolution, 1625–1660

2F The Sun King: Louis XIV, France and Europe, 1643–1715

2G The Birth of the USA, 1760–1801

2H France in Revolution, 1774–1815

2J America: A Nation Divided, c1845–1877

2K International Relations and Global Conflict, c1890–1941

2L Italy and Fascism, c1900–1945

2M Wars and Welfare: Britain in Transition, 1906–1957

A Level History Topics - Edexcel

Edexcel Assessment Breakdown

Research Enquiry (Coursework) – 20% of grade

Breadth Study with Interpretations (Exam) – 30% of grade

Depth Study (Exam) – 20% of grade

Themes in Breadth + Aspects in Depth (Exam) 30% of grade

Ed Excel A Level History Topics

Breadth study with interpretations

1A: The crusades, c1095–1204

1B: England, 1509–1603: authority, nation and religion

1C: Britain, 1625–1701: conflict, revolution and settlement

1D: Britain, c1785–c1870: democracy, protest and reform

1E: Russia, 1917–91: from Lenin to Yeltsin

1F: In search of the American Dream: the USA, c1917–96

1G: Germany and West Germany, 1918–89

1H: Britain transformed, 1918–97

Depth study

2A.1: Anglo-Saxon England and the Anglo-Norman Kingdom, c1053–1106

2A.2: England and the Angevin Empire in the reign of Henry II, 1154–89

2B.1: Luther and the German Reformation, c1515–55

2B.2: The Dutch Revolt, c1563–1609

2C.1: France in revolution, 1774–99

2C.2: Russia in revolution, 1894–1924

2D.1: The unification of Italy, c1830–70

2D.2: The unification of Germany, c1840–71

2E.1: Mao’s China, 1949–76

2E.2: The German Democratic Republic, 1949–90

2F.1: India, c1914–48: the road to independence

2F.2: South Africa, 1948–94: from apartheid state to ‘rainbow nation’

2G.1: The rise and fall of fascism in Italy, c1911–46

2G.2: Spain, 1930–78: republicanism, Francoism and the re-establishment of democracy

2H.1: The USA, c1920–55: boom, bust and recovery

Themes in breadth with aspects in depth

30: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399–1509

31: Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors, 1485–1603

32: The Golden Age of Spain, 1474–1598

33: The witch craze in Britain, Europe and North America, c1580–c1750

34.1: Industrialisation and social change in Britain, 1759–1928: forging a new society

34.2: Poverty, public health and the state in Britain, c1780–1939

35.1: Britain: losing and gaining an empire, 1763–1914

35.2: The British experience of warfare, c1790–1918

36.1: Protest, agitation and parliamentary reform in Britain, c1780–1928

36.2: Ireland and the Union, c1774–1923

37.1: The changing nature of warfare, 1859–1991: perception and reality

37.2: Germany, 1871–1990: united, divided and reunited

38.1: The making of modern Russia, 1855–1991

38.2: The making of modern China, 1860–1997

39.1: Civil rights and race relations in the USA, 1850–2009

39.2: Mass media and social change in Britain, 1882–2004

A Level History Topics - OCR

OCR Assessment Breakdown

Topic Based Essay (Coursework) – 20% of grade

British Period Study and Enquiry (Exam) – 25% of grade

Non-British Period Study (Exam) – 15% of grade

Thematic Study and Interpretations (Exam) – 40% of grade

OCR A Level History Topics

British Period Study and Enquiry

Alfred and the making of England 871—1016

Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest 1035—1107

England 1199—1272

England 1377—1455

England 1445—1509: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII

England 1485—1558: the early Tudors

England 1547—1603: the late Tudors

The early Stuarts and the origins of the Civil War 1603—1660

The making of Georgian Britain 1678 — c. 1760

From Pitt to Peel: Britain 1783—1853

Liberals, Conservatives and the rise of Labour 1846—1918

Britain 1900—1951

Britain 1930—1997

Non-British Period Study

The rise of Islam c. 550 — 750

Charlemagne 768—814

The Crusades and the crusader states 1095—1192

Genghis Khan and the explosion from the Steppes c. 1167 — 1405

Exploration, Encounters and Empire 1445—1570

Spain 1469—1556

The German Reformation and the rule of Charles V 1500—1559

Philip II 1556—1598

African kingdoms c. 1400 — c. 1800: four case studies

Russia 1645—1741

The rise and decline of the Mughal Empire in India 1526—1739

The American Revolution 1740—1796

The French Revolution and the rule of Napoleon 1774—1815

France 1814—1870

Italy and unification 1789—1896

The USA in the 19th Century: Westward expansion and Civil War 1803 — c. 1890

Japan 1853—1937

International relations 1890—1941

Russia 1894—1941

Italy 1896—1943

Democracy and dictatorships in Germany 1919—1963

The Cold War in Asia 1945—1993

The Cold War in Europe 1941—1995

Apartheid and reconciliation: South African politics 1948—1999

Thematic Study and Historical Interpretations

The early Anglo-Saxons c. 400 — 800

The Viking age c. 790 — 1066

English government and the Church 1066—1216

The Church and medieval heresy c. 1100 — 1437

The Renaissance c. 1400 — c. 1600

Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors 1485—1603

Tudor foreign policy 1485—1603

The Catholic Reformation 1492—1610

The ascendancy of the Ottoman Empire 1453—1606

The development of the nation state: France 1498—1610

The origins and growth of the British Empire 1558—1783

Popular culture and the witchcraze of the 16th and 17th centuries

The ascendancy of France 1610—1715

The challenge of German nationalism 1789—1919

The changing nature of warfare 1792—1945

Britain and Ireland 1791—1921

China and its rulers 1839—1989

Russia and its rulers 1855—1964

Civil Rights in the USA 1865—1992

From colonialism to independence: The British Empire 1857—1965

How To Improve at A Level History

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The Top 10 Most Interesting History Research Topics

Choosing history research topics is one of the hardest and most time-consuming things to do, especially if there is no guidance. You have to employ the right research skills to find authentic sources and ensure that your history research questions are precise and clear.

So to make your work easier, we have curated history research paper topics for college students and high schoolers, as well as examples of history research questions you can use for your assignment.

Find your bootcamp match

What makes a strong history research topic.

Clarity makes a strong history research topic. History is a broad subject, so your topic should be well-defined and your language should be simple enough for the reader to understand the basic outline of your history research project. In other words, there should be no ambiguity. An ambiguous topic will be much harder to write than a clear one.

Tips for Choosing a History Research Topic

  • Understand the requirements. Pay attention to your academic level and make sure that you are clear on what is expected of you. Keep referring to your assignment as you go along to ensure that you do not deviate from it.
  • Choose a topic that interests you. If your history topic is boring, doing the research and writing the paper will become tedious work. It is important that you select a topic that appeals to you and that you will enjoy writing about. Even if you choose a controversial topic, it’s worth pursuing as long as it will motivate you to keep writing.
  • Be objective. Movies such as Pearl Harbor have romanticized history as their subject, so make sure you select a topic based on facts and not merely your opinion. This will help in removing bias from your research questions as well.
  • Begin your search for research sources early. Ensure that there are adequate primary and secondary sources for your research assignment. You can also consult other alternative sources for your research. Remember to also make use of your high school or college librarian. They will guide you toward reliable sources.
  • Consult others when necessary. Whenever your assignment requirements are unclear to you, consult your professor. You can also brainstorm with fellow students to get more ideas on what topic you should select, or visit your university’s writing center to get a refresher on how to write strong topic sentences.

What’s the Difference Between a Research Topic and a Research Question?

A research topic refers to a broad idea that you may have chosen for your history research paper. For example, “modern history” is a general topic from which you can get various, more specific topics, such as “the role of globalization in industrialization.”

A research question takes a broad topic and narrows it down to a more specific subject. Your question will help in selecting the right sources. A research question answers the what, why, and how of the research topic. For example, what role has industrialization played in globalization?

How to Create Strong History Research Questions

A strong history research question should be empirically sound. This means that it should be narrow enough to do an in-depth analysis. However, it should not be so narrow that it can be answered with a simple yes or no. A simple search on Google should not answer your research question.

According to Kristin Poling from the Department of History at Harvard, formulating a research question requires preliminary research. You need to see whether there are authentic sources available to answer your question, and you need to understand where the gaps in the literature are. Strong questions lead to strong thesis statements.

Top 10 History Research Paper Topics

1. religion in ancient greece.

Any list of history topics about ancient Greek religion is bound to contain some gems. By digging into cultural patterns, you can explore how religion affected the social, political, religious, military, and economic development of Greece. You could even venture outside the boundaries of Greece and investigate how Christian symbols were influenced by the ancient Greeks.

2. Causes of the American Revolution

The American Revolution, also known as the United States War of Independence, is an important American historical event that occurred between 1775 and 1783. Researching the American revolutionaries behind the Boston Tea Party is a great way to understand how monumental social conflicts bring about the rise and fall of nations.

3. American Neutrality in World War Ⅰ

Also known as the First War or the Great War, World War Ⅰ was the first major global war of the 20th Century, and it lasted between 1914 and 1918. If you choose this topic, you will be able to analyze why America first made the foreign policy decision to avoid taking part in the war, as well as why it changed its mind later on.

4. Effects of the Allies’ Occupation of Germany

The Allied occupation of Germany began in 1945 after Germany was defeated in the Second World War. It refers to the joint occupation of Germany by the US, Great Britain, Soviet Union, and France. If you select this history research topic for your assignment, you will be able to delve deeper into the effects of the occupation on both Germany and the rest of the world.

5. Ronald Reagan and the End of the Cold War

The Cold War was a 20th Century battle of supremacy between the United States and the Soviet Union involving nuclear weapons. By discussing the role Ronald Reagan played in ending the Cold War, you could gain insight into the diplomatic history between these two powers or interpret how Reagan’s actions affected the course of American society.

6. Political, Economic, and Social Causes of the French Revolution

The French Revolution, which occurred between 1789 and 1799, significantly shifted the social and political ideals of all 18th Century European countries. This riveting European history research topic provides a means to explore the dangers of classism and its effects on civilian life.

7. The Legacy of Alexander the Great

You cannot learn about historical figures in ancient times without coming across Alexander the Great, the king of ancient Macedonia. Selecting this ancient history topic for your assignment will be a fascinating dive into how this key figure in history influenced Greek and Asian culture as he expanded his empire.

8. Rise of the Catholic Church as a Political Institution in the Middle Ages

The Middle Ages is a historical era between the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 CE and the beginning of the Renaissance period in the 14th century. Selecting this topic will help you understand the factors that influenced the rise of the Catholic Church as a powerful political institution in medieval Europe.

9. Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Working-Class Families

The Industrial Revolution was an era between the late 18th century and the middle of the 19th century when great strides were made in engineering, production, and manufacturing. It affected the economic and social lives of the working class and shifted gender roles. Studying industrialization effects would lend itself well to university students with access to rare books.

10. The Role of Martin Luther King Jr in the Civil Rights Movement

The Civil Rights Movement is one of the best Black history research paper topics for college students. One of the most impactful social movements, this movement was a response to the social injustice toward African Americans that continued after the abolition of slavery. Martin Luther King Jr was a key figure whose importance to American history cannot be overstated.

Other Examples of History Research Topics & Questions

History research topics.

  • American Folk Art History
  • Religious Symbolism in the Renaissance Era
  • Impact of the Westward Expansion on Native Americans
  • Amelia Earhart’s Impact on Women in Aviation
  • The Rise and Fall of the Dutch Republic

History Research Questions

  • In what ways have Alois Riegl’s theories shaped modern art today?
  • How did the Renaissance shift the worldview of European thinkers?
  • How did the Berlin Conference influence British Colonialism in Africa?
  • How have women in tech history shaped the role of American women in STEM in the 21st Century?
  • In what ways did the 17th century’s political and military shifts in Spain affect British rule?

Choosing the Right History Research Topic

Whether you are a high school or a college student, there are many history topics from which you can select your research project. Selecting history topics for history is highly dependent on the type of paper you have chosen to write. Argumentative research paper topics will yield different results than a comparative study or a descriptive study.

Whether you choose to select a historical figure, the military clashes between the American settlers and Native Americans, or the role of women in industrialization, make sure that you narrow down your topic and choose something that answers a specific question about an interesting issue, period, or event.

History Research Topics FAQ

Historiography is the study of recorded historical events and their interpretations. In other words, historiographies help us understand how experienced writers have shaped what, how, and why a specific history subject was recorded and interpreted a certain way.

You start a research paper by beginning with a historical overview from which you can narrow down your topics and the history research questions that you want to address. From there, you will be able to carefully choose your primary and secondary sources. According to Purdue OWL, evaluating sources is an excellent place to begin a research assignment.

You can find many research sources from online university libraries as well as websites devoted to history. The Internet is full of curated libraries such as the American Historical Association, which has resources for historical researchers to help you join the ranks of the most expert writers in the field.

Yes, you can pursue an online degree in history. Many major universities offer online history degrees as an alternative to in-person degrees. You can look up the university of your choice and check the requirements for enrollment.

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Best History Research Paper Topics

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Dive into the world of historical scholarship with our comprehensive guide to the best history research paper topics . Primarily designed for students tasked with writing history research papers, this guide presents a curated list of 100 exceptional topics, divided into 10 distinct categories, each with a unique historical focus. The guide offers clear and practical advice on how to choose the most compelling history research paper topics, and provides 10 handy tips on crafting an outstanding research paper. In addition to academic guidance, the guide introduces the superior writing services of iResearchNet, a reliable option for students needing customized history research papers.

Comprehensive List of Best History Research Paper Topics

The following comprehensive list of the best history research paper topics is crafted to stimulate your curiosity and ignite your passion for historical study. These topics cover a range of historical periods and geographical locations to cater to the diverse interests of history students.

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Ancient History Topics

  • The Causes and Effects of the Fall of the Roman Empire
  • Daily Life in Ancient Egypt
  • The Influence of Alexander the Great’s Conquests on the Hellenistic World
  • The Role of Women in Spartan Society
  • The Construction and Significance of the Great Wall of China
  • The Impact of Confucianism on Ancient Chinese Society
  • Trade Routes and their Role in the Expansion of Ancient Civilizations
  • The Cultural and Political Influence of the Phoenician Civilization
  • Comparing Democracy in Ancient Greece to Modern Democracy
  • The Religious Practices and Beliefs of the Mayans

Medieval History Topics

  • The Role of the Catholic Church in Medieval Europe
  • The Impact of the Black Death on Medieval Society
  • The Cultural Significance of the Knights Templar
  • Gender Roles and Family Structure in Medieval Japan
  • The Causes and Consequences of the Hundred Years War
  • The Political Structure of the Byzantine Empire
  • The Influence of the Carolingian Renaissance on Europe
  • The Role of Vikings in European Trade and Exploration
  • The Crusades: Causes, Events, and Consequences
  • The Architecture and Symbolism of Gothic Cathedrals

Early Modern History Topics

  • The Causes and Effects of the Protestant Reformation
  • The Role of the Enlightenment in the French Revolution
  • The Impact of the Scientific Revolution on European Society
  • The Socioeconomic Consequences of the Industrial Revolution
  • The Influence of the Ottoman Empire on Southeast Europe
  • The Role of Slavery in the Colonial Economies
  • The Politics and Culture of the Renaissance in Italy
  • European Imperialism in Africa and Asia
  • The Cultural and Political Impacts of the Mughal Empire
  • The American Revolution: Causes, Events, and Legacy

Modern History Topics

  • The Causes and Global Consequences of World War I
  • The Great Depression: Causes and Effects
  • The Role of Propaganda in World War II
  • The Impact of the Cold War on International Relations
  • The Civil Rights Movement in the United States
  • The Fall of the Berlin Wall and the End of the Cold War
  • The Effects of Decolonization in the 20th Century
  • The Role of Women in the World Wars
  • The Formation and Impact of the European Union
  • The Causes and Consequences of the Arab Spring

Asian History Topics

  • The Cultural Impact of the Silk Road in Asia
  • The Effects of Colonial Rule in India
  • The Legacy of the Mongol Empire in Asia
  • The Cultural and Political Changes in China’s Cultural Revolution
  • The Korean War: Causes, Events, and Consequences
  • The Role of Samurai in Feudal Japan
  • The Impact of the Opium Wars on China
  • The Influence of Buddhism on Asian Cultures
  • The Cambodian Genocide under the Khmer Rouge
  • The Role of Gandhi in India’s Independence

American History Topics

  • The Impact of the New Deal on the American Economy
  • The Vietnam War: Causes, Events, and Legacy
  • The Influence of the Beat Generation on American Culture
  • The Role of Manifest Destiny in Westward Expansion
  • The Cuban Missile Crisis and Its Effects on the Cold War
  • The Women’s Suffrage Movement in the United States
  • The Native American Civil Rights Movement
  • The Role of the Transcontinental Railroad in American Expansion
  • The Civil War: Causes, Events, and Aftermath
  • The Immigration Wave at Ellis Island: Causes and Effects

European History Topics

  • The Impacts of the Russian Revolution
  • The Influence of Martin Luther’s Theses on Europe
  • The British Empire: Rise, Dominance, and Fall
  • The Role of Art in the French Revolution
  • The Impact of the Spanish Inquisition on Spain and its Colonies
  • The Rise and Influence of Fascism in Europe
  • The Role of the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages
  • The Consequences of the Treaty of Versailles
  • The Formation and Impact of NATO
  • The Role of the Media in the Fall of the Berlin Wall

African History Topics

  • The Effects of Apartheid in South Africa
  • The Influence of the Trans-Saharan Trade on West African Societies
  • The Role of Nelson Mandela in Ending Apartheid
  • The Scramble for Africa and its Effects on the Continent
  • The Impact of the Atlantic Slave Trade on West Africa
  • The Rwandan Genocide: Causes and Consequences
  • The Role of the African Union in Continental Politics
  • The Impact of Islam on North Africa
  • The Decolonization of Africa in the 20th Century
  • The Role of Women in Pre-Colonial African Societies

Military History Topics

  • The Influence of Technological Innovations on Warfare
  • The Role of the French Foreign Legion in Global Conflicts
  • The Impact of the Manhattan Project on World War II and Beyond
  • The Role of the Spartans in Ancient Greek Warfare
  • The Impact of Drones on Modern Warfare
  • The Influence of the English Longbow on Medieval Warfare
  • The Role of the Maginot Line in World War II
  • The Impact of Naval Power on the British Empire
  • The Influence of Nuclear Weapons on International Politics
  • The Role of Propaganda in World War I

This expansive list of best history research paper topics offers a comprehensive exploration of the past, crossing different eras, regions, and themes. They form a rich tapestry of human experience and a foundation for understanding our present and future. Choose a topic that piques your interest, ignites your curiosity, and promises a journey of intellectual discovery. Remember that the exploration of history is a journey into the roots of our shared humanity and an exploration of the forces that shape our world.

History and What Range of Best Research Paper Topics it Offers

As a subject of study, history is more than a chronological list of events, dates, and prominent figures. History is the exploration of human experiences, societal changes, political upheavals, cultural transformations, economic shifts, and technological advancements across different periods and regions. This exploration allows us to understand how the past has shaped our present and how it can potentially shape our future. It teaches us to appreciate the complexities and nuances of human nature and society, making history a rich field for research paper topics.

History is an interdisciplinary field, interweaving elements from various areas of study, including politics, sociology, economics, anthropology, geography, and literature. This interdisciplinary nature provides a wide array of best history research paper topics. Moreover, the global scope of history further broadens the pool of topics, as it encompasses every region of the world and every period from the dawn of human civilization to the present day.

Exploring Different Periods

Historical research often focuses on specific periods, each offering unique topics for exploration. For instance, Ancient History provides topics related to ancient civilizations like Rome, Greece, Egypt, China, and India, and key events such as Alexander the Great’s conquests or the fall of the Roman Empire.

The Medieval Period offers topics related to the socio-political structure of societies, the influence of religion, the impact of plagues, and the role of significant historical figures. Researching the Renaissance can focus on cultural, artistic, and scientific revolutions that have shaped the modern world.

The Modern History category contains topics related to significant events and transformations, such as world wars, the Great Depression, the Cold War, decolonization, and various national and international movements.

Geographical Perspectives

Geographical focus is another common approach in historical research. Asian history encompasses topics ranging from the influence of Confucianism in China to the impact of colonial rule in India. European history explores events such as the Enlightenment, the French and Russian revolutions, and the formation of the European Union. American history topics can cover everything from Manifest Destiny to the Civil Rights Movement. African history can delve into the effects of the Atlantic Slave Trade, the apartheid era, and decolonization.

Thematic Approaches

In addition to period- and region-based topics, history offers an extensive range of thematic topics. These themes often intersect with other disciplines, leading to exciting interdisciplinary research opportunities.

Social and cultural history, for instance, covers diverse topics such as the influence of the Harlem Renaissance on African American culture, the counterculture movement of the 1960s, the role of film and television in shaping societies, or the impacts of the Internet on global culture.

Military history provides a wide range of topics related to warfare, strategy, technological developments, and the influence of military conflicts on societies and politics. From the use of the English longbow in medieval warfare to the impact of drones on modern warfare, this field offers a variety of fascinating topics.

Making the Right Choice

The choice of a research paper topic in history should ideally be guided by your interest, the available resources, and the requirements of your assignment. With such a wide range of topics, it can be challenging to make a choice. But remember, a good history research paper topic is not just about the past; it should also engage with the present and potentially shed light on the future. The best research paper topics are those that not only delve deep into the annals of history but also resonate with current issues and debates.

The study of history is a gateway into the vast narrative of human civilization. With an extensive range of periods, regions, and themes to choose from, history offers a rich reservoir of research paper topics. As we delve into the past, we discover the forces that have shaped our world, gain insights into the human experience, and glean lessons for our future. This journey of exploration makes history an incredibly exciting field for research papers.

How to Choose Best History Research Paper Topics

Choosing the best history research paper topic can be the first step towards a rewarding intellectual journey. It’s not just about meeting academic requirements; it’s about uncovering facets of the past that intrigue you and may potentially contribute to the broader understanding of history. Here are twenty in-depth tips that will guide you through the process and help you select the best topic for your history research paper.

  • Understand the Assignment: Understanding your assignment’s requirements is the primary and most critical step in selecting a topic. Take time to carefully read the guidelines given by your instructor. Are there any specific historical periods, geographical regions, or themes you are required to focus on? Do the instructions indicate the scope or complexity level of the topic? Comprehending the parameters set by your instructor will significantly narrow down your options.
  • Choose a Time Period: One way to approach the topic selection is by focusing on a particular time period that sparks your interest. It could be anything from the Bronze Age, to the Renaissance, to World War II. The more interested you are in the chosen time period, the more engaged you will be in the research process.
  • Pick a Region: Similar to choosing a time period, selecting a particular region or country can also help narrow down potential topics. Are you fascinated by the history of East Asia, intrigued by ancient Egypt, or drawn to the socio-political history of Europe? Starting with a geographic focus can provide a strong foundation for your research.
  • Identify a Theme: In addition to or instead of a time period or region, you might want to choose a theme that you wish to explore. Themes can range from political history, cultural history, history of science and technology, to gender history, among others. A thematic approach can offer a unique perspective and can even allow you to cross over different time periods or regions.
  • Conduct Preliminary Research: Even before you have a firm topic in hand, engage in some preliminary research. This could involve reviewing textbooks, scholarly articles, or reputable online resources related to your chosen period, region, or theme. Preliminary research can give you a general sense of the historical context and inspire potential topics.
  • Seek Inspiration from Existing Works: As part of your preliminary research, look at other research papers, theses, or dissertations in your area of interest. This can give you a good idea of what has been done, what gaps exist in the research, and where your research could potentially fit in.
  • Scope Your Topic: The scope of your topic should be proportionate to the length and depth of your paper. If your paper is relatively short, a narrow, focused topic would be more suitable. For a longer and more complex paper, a broader topic that explores multiple facets or perspectives would be more appropriate.
  • Consider the Relevance: Another aspect to consider when selecting a topic is its relevance. Does the topic have any relation to the course you are undertaking? Does it reflect on current historical or social debates? A topic that connects your historical research to broader academic or social issues can make your paper more impactful and engaging.
  • Look for Unique Angles: While not every research paper can revolutionize the field, striving for some degree of originality in your work is always a good practice. Look for unique angles, underexplored areas, or new perspectives on a well-trodden topic. Presenting a fresh approach can make your paper more interesting for both you and your readers.
  • Assess the Availability of Sources: Your research paper is only as good as your sources. Before finalizing your topic, make sure there are enough primary and secondary sources available to you. This could be in the form of books, academic articles, documentary films, archives, databases, or digital resources.
  • Evaluate the Feasibility: Beyond the availability of sources, consider other practical aspects of your chosen topic. Is it feasible to conduct the research within the given time frame? Is the topic too complex or too simplistic for your current academic level? A realistic evaluation of these factors at an early stage can save you a lot of time and effort down the line.
  • Reflect on Your Interests: Above all, select a topic that genuinely piques your curiosity. A research paper is a significant undertaking, and your interest in the topic will sustain you through potential challenges. If you are passionate about the topic, it will reflect in your writing and make your paper more compelling.
  • Solicit Feedback: Seek advice from your instructor, classmates, or any other knowledgeable individuals. They may be able to provide valuable feedback, point out potential pitfalls, or suggest different perspectives that can enrich your research.
  • Be Flexible: Be prepared to tweak, adjust, or even overhaul your topic as you delve deeper into the research process. New information or insights may emerge that shift your focus or challenge your initial assumptions.
  • Bridge the Past and Present: Try to find topics that allow you to connect historical events or phenomena with contemporary issues. This can provide additional depth to your paper and may also appeal to a broader audience.
  • Consult Specialized Encyclopedias and Guides: These can provide overviews of various topics and can often suggest areas for research. They also offer bibliographies which can serve as a starting point for your research.
  • Draft a Preliminary Thesis Statement: Once you have a potential topic, try drafting a preliminary thesis statement. This can help you focus your ideas and give you a clear direction for your research.
  • Ensure Your Topic Meets the Assignment Goals: Check back with your assignment guidelines to make sure your chosen topic meets all the requirements. It’s a good idea to do this before you start your in-depth research.
  • Be Ready to Invest Time and Effort: Choose a topic that you are ready to spend time on. Remember, you will be working on this topic for an extended period, so choose something that you find interesting and engaging.
  • Enjoy the Process: Finally, remember that the process of researching and writing a history paper can be a source of enjoyment and intellectual satisfaction. Choose a topic that not only meets academic requirements but also gives you a sense of accomplishment and discovery.

Choosing the best history research paper topic is not merely about fulfilling an academic requirement. It’s about setting the stage for a journey into the past, an exploration of humanity’s collective memory. The right topic will not only make this journey enjoyable but also deeply enlightening. By considering these tips, you can select a topic that resonates with you and holds the potential for a meaningful scholarly contribution.

How to Write a Best History Research Paper

Writing a history research paper can be a rewarding experience, providing an opportunity to delve into the past and explore the events, ideas, and personalities that have shaped our world. However, crafting a high-quality paper requires more than just an interest in the subject matter. It involves thorough research, analytical thinking, and clear, persuasive writing. Here are twenty comprehensive tips on how to write a best history research paper.

  • Understand the Assignment: Begin by thoroughly understanding the assignment. Ensure you grasp the requirements, the scope of the paper, the format, and the deadline. Clear any doubts with your professor or peers before you start.
  • Select a Suitable Topic: As discussed earlier, choosing an appropriate topic is crucial. It should be engaging, manageable, and meet the assignment’s requirements. Consider your interests, the available resources, and the paper’s scope when choosing the topic.
  • Conduct In-Depth Research: Once the topic is decided, embark on thorough research. Use a variety of sources, such as books, academic journals, credible online sources, primary sources, and documentaries. Remember to take notes and record the sources for citation purposes.
  • Formulate a Thesis Statement: The thesis statement is the central argument or point of your paper. It should be clear, concise, and debatable, providing a roadmap for your entire paper. The thesis statement should guide your research and each main point you make in your paper should support this central idea.
  • Create an Outline: An outline helps organize your thoughts and arguments. Typically, it should include an introduction (with the thesis statement), body paragraphs (with topic sentences), and a conclusion. Each point in your outline should be a reflection of your thesis statement.
  • Start with a Strong Introduction: The introduction should be engaging, provide some background on the topic, and include the thesis statement. It sets the tone for the rest of your paper, so make it compelling and informative.
  • Develop Body Paragraphs: Each body paragraph should focus on one main idea that supports your thesis. Begin with a topic sentence, provide evidence or arguments, and then conclude the paragraph by linking it back to your thesis. Be clear and concise in your arguments.
  • Use Evidence Effectively: Support your arguments with evidence from your research. This could include quotations, statistics, or primary source materials. Remember to interpret the evidence and explain its relevance to your argument.
  • Maintain a Logical Flow: The ideas in your paper should flow logically from one point to the next. Use transitional words and phrases to maintain continuity and help guide your reader through your paper.
  • Write a Compelling Conclusion: Your conclusion should sum up your main points, restate the thesis in light of the evidence provided, and possibly offer areas for further research or a concluding insight. It should leave the reader with something to think about.
  • Cite Your Sources: Always cite your sources properly. This not only gives credit where it’s due but also strengthens your argument by indicating the breadth of your research. Ensure you follow the required citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).
  • Revise for Clarity and Coherence: After finishing your initial draft, revise your work. Check for clarity, coherence, and consistency of argument. Ensure each paragraph has a clear focus, and that the paragraphs flow smoothly from one idea to the next.
  • Proofread: Proofread your paper for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Such errors can distract from the content and undermine your credibility as a writer. Reading your paper aloud or having someone else read it can help catch errors you might have missed.
  • Seek Feedback: Before finalizing your paper, consider seeking feedback from your professor, peers, or a writing center tutor. They can provide valuable perspectives and suggestions for improvement that you might not have considered.
  • Write in a Formal Academic Style: Your paper should be written in a formal academic style. Avoid slang, colloquialisms, and overly complex language. Be clear, concise, and precise in your expression.
  • Avoid Plagiarism: Plagiarism is a serious academic offense. Ensure that all ideas and words that are not your own are properly cited. When in doubt, it’s better to over-cite than to under-cite.
  • Stay Objective: A good history paper is objective and does not include personal opinions or biases. It relies on facts and evidence, and presents balanced arguments. Stick to the evidence and avoid emotional language.
  • Be Original: Strive for originality in your argument and interpretation. While your topic might not be entirely new, your perspective on it can be. Don’t be afraid to challenge established interpretations if you have evidence to support your argument.
  • Use Primary Sources Wisely: Primary sources are invaluable in historical research. However, remember that they should be used to support your argument, not to construct it. Your analysis and interpretation of the sources are what matters.
  • Enjoy the Process: Finally, remember to enjoy the process. Writing a research paper is not just an academic exercise, but a journey into the past. It’s a chance to learn, explore, and contribute to our understanding of history.

In conclusion, writing a best history research paper requires careful planning, thorough research, clear writing, and detailed revision. However, the process can be highly rewarding, leading to new insights and a deeper understanding of history. These tips provide a comprehensive guide to help you craft a top-notch history research paper. Remember, history is a continually evolving dialogue, and your paper is your chance to join the conversation.

Custom Writing Services

When it comes to academic writing, particularly in the realm of history, the challenges are manifold. Selecting a suitable topic, conducting thorough research, forming persuasive arguments, and structuring your thoughts in a coherent and scholarly manner can often be a daunting task. This is where iResearchNet comes to your aid. As a premier academic writing service, iResearchNet provides students with the opportunity to order a custom history research paper on any topic. The goal is to alleviate your academic stress while ensuring that you meet your educational goals.

Key features of iResearchNet’s services include:

  • Expert Degree-Holding Writers: Our team consists of professionals who are not just well-versed in various historical topics, but also have extensive experience in academic writing.
  • Custom Written Works: Every paper we deliver is created from scratch, tailored to your specific requirements and instructions, ensuring originality and uniqueness.
  • In-Depth Research: Our writers are committed to conducting meticulous and comprehensive research to gather relevant information and provide insightful perspectives for your paper.
  • Custom Formatting: Whether your paper requires APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, or Harvard style, our team is proficient in all these citation formats.
  • Top Quality: Quality is not negotiable for us. We strive to provide superior writing services that align with the highest academic standards.
  • Customized Solutions: Every student is unique, and so are our solutions. We customize our approach based on your individual needs and the demands of your project.
  • Flexible Pricing: We understand the financial constraints students may face, and therefore, we offer a variety of pricing plans to suit different budgets.
  • Short Deadlines: We accept orders with deadlines as short as 3 hours, always delivering on time without compromising the quality of work.
  • Timely Delivery: We understand the importance of meeting deadlines in academia and ensure timely delivery of all assignments.
  • 24/7 Support: Our customer service team is available round the clock to assist you with any queries or issues you may have.
  • Absolute Privacy: We maintain strict confidentiality and privacy policies to protect your personal information.
  • Easy Order Tracking: With our seamless order tracking system, you can easily monitor the progress of your paper.
  • Money Back Guarantee: We offer a money-back guarantee if our work does not meet the agreed-upon standards, giving you peace of mind when using our services.

In conclusion, iResearchNet offers a comprehensive suite of academic writing services designed to support students in their academic journey. From expert writers and custom written works to in-depth research and timely delivery, iResearchNet is equipped to handle any history research paper with excellence and dedication. We believe in delivering high-quality, original, and impactful research papers that can elevate your academic experience and success. So why wait? Avail of iResearchNet’s services today and experience the relief and satisfaction of handing in a top-quality history research paper.

You’re One Step Away From Your Perfect History Research Paper!

Students often find themselves at a crossroads when it comes to writing a history research paper. With so many topics to explore and limited time to do so, this can seem like an insurmountable challenge. But it doesn’t have to be. iResearchNet is here to transform this challenge into a remarkable academic journey.

Imagine handing in a meticulously researched and perfectly structured history research paper, crafted by an expert writer with a deep understanding of your topic. Picture the relief as you submit a top-quality assignment, knowing that you’ve fulfilled all the requirements to the highest standard. And visualize the sense of achievement when you receive the grade you’ve been striving for.

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5 Best Online Course Platforms for 2024

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  • Coursera: Coursera
  • freeCodeCamp: freeCodeCamp
  • Udacity: Udacity
  • W3Schools: W3Schools

Online courses can be stepping stones to successful tech careers. Many let learners set their own hours, opening up opportunities for people who are working full time at the same time as they seek to gain more skills or a new certification.

When looking for the best online course platforms for people seeking tech or business skills, we assessed platforms based on the following:

  • Criteria : Popularity, positive reviews and word-of-mouth.
  • Practicality : May include a certification or specific tech skills, which can be included on a resume.
  • Versatility : Offers courses for a variety of skill levels.
  • Instructors : Who is teaching them? Is that person associated with a well-regarded university, corporation or organization? What has that person contributed to the field?
  • Trustworthiness : Do users report problems with payment or false advertising?

SEE: Amazon offers AI and machine learning courses as part of its “AI Ready” initiative. (TechRepublic)

Coursera logo.

Coursera is usually on lists of the best online course platforms for good reason: it offers a wide variety of courses for people at various stages of their careers and on many different subject areas of interest. Coursera partners with leading universities and corporations, and the courses are often taught by industry professionals and well-regarded academics. Coursera offers a wide variety of technology-focused courses, including on data analysis, IT and generative AI.

Some Coursera courses can be completed within the 7-day free trial. After that time period, individual Coursera courses cost between $49 and $79, depending on the course, billed monthly. A Coursera Plus subscription provides access to all courses, specializations and certificates on the site and costs $59 per month. The annual plan, Coursera Plus Annual, provides the same access for $399 per year. Businesses, universities and governments can inquire about relevant plans.

  • Wide variety of courses.
  • Content translated into multiple languages depending on the individual course.
  • Career certificates for some courses.
  • Job search guides for some courses.
  • Self-paced or supervised courses.
  • Degree programs from participating colleges and universities.
  • Some users report problems with being over-charged or incorrectly charged for a subscription.
  • Does not specialize in one field.

edX logo.

While some of the classes edX hosts, like Harvard’s well-known Introduction to Computer Science, are available for free elsewhere , the edX platform provides certifications and an extensive catalog of courses across industries affiliated with universities. edX’s tech-focused courses include artificial intelligence programming and business strategy related to AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing and more.

Many courses provided through edX are free but require payment for a certification, which can cost $50 – $300 ; prices for more advanced courses may be higher. Verizon provides one year of free access, which learners can register for with or without a Verizon account. Businesses can contact edX for information about a corporate account .

  • Boot camps.
  • Degree programs.
  • Resume writing help.
  • Some affiliated colleges are moving away from edX and shifting online classes to their own websites.
  • Some users report hidden fees .

freeCodeCamp

freeCodeCamp logo.

freeCodeCamp provides tutorials and courses on thousands of topics and a proprietary certification program. Beginners just learning to write code will find a wide array of tips for learning programming languages as well as more advanced instructions for applying that knowledge. freeCodeCamp’s text and video tutorials are relatively easy to access and use, even for people with little tech background. Their more advanced tech certifications include Data Analysis With Python, Information Security, Back End Development and APIs and more.

freeCodeCamp is a nonprofit and funds itself through donations. All of its offerings are free.

  • All courses are free.
  • Certification programs, which require five projects and associated exams to complete.
  • English for Developers certification (for developers for whom English is a second language).
  • Interview and job search resources.
  • freeCodeCamp is a relatively small platform. This may be preferable to some learners or be underwhelming.

Udacity logo.

Udacity sets itself apart with its nanodegree programs, which are months-long courses that mimic traditional college degrees and may result in certificates of achievement. Udacity is known for its relatively rigorous courses and hands-on components. Tech topics available as courses from Udacity include data science, programming, development, autonomous systems, product management, artificial intelligence and more.

Accessing any content on Udacity requires a subscription. A subscription costs $249 per month, or $846 for four months. A team plan for companies with 50 to 1,000 employees costs $249 per user per month. Enterprises and governments can inquire for pricing information.

  • Courses in tech including AI, project management, executive leadership and more.
  • Guided student projects.
  • Hands-on assignments.
  • Relatively expensive.
  • Some reviews say the teacher-to-student ratio and quality of teachers has declined in recent years.

W3Schools logo.

W3Schools provides straightforward, beginner-friendly classes focused entirely on programming, data analytics and website building. In addition, W3Schools provides services such as reference pages and website hosting, which may be useful if a learner wants to demonstrate their skills on their own website.

Pricing for W3Schools depends on the class, certification or service being used; many of the tutorials are free. An ad-free subscription costs $14.99 per month. Pricing for certification exams vary .

  • Text tutorials.
  • Hands-on exercises.
  • Catalog of certification exams.
  • Optional gamified “MyLearning” points system.
  • Goal-setting tool.
  • Website creation.
  • HTML color code generator.
  • May not be relevant to an audience already familiar with programming and the basics of data analytics or web design.
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LSU gymnastics gets over the hump, wins first national championship in program history

best topics for history coursework

This season, LSU gymnastics made the NCAA Tournament for the 33rd time. But on Saturday afternoon in Fort Worth, Texas, the Tigers finally captured their elusive first national championship.

LSU took an early lead with a near-perfect start on the floor exercise, as a 9.9375 from senior star Haleigh Bryant set the tone for one of five 9.9s on the event. However, the Tigers' second event in the vault — which ended with three scores in the 9.8s forced to count — opened the window for the other three teams to capitalize, closing the LSU lead to just a tenth of a point heading to the last two rotations.

Despite a solid performance on the uneven parallel bars, the momentum left the Tigers and went to the Utah Utes, who took the lead heading into the fourth and final rotation, with the top three separated by less than two tenths.

It wasn't easy on the balance beam, however. As difficult as it already is ending on beam, it was made even more so when Savannah Schoenherr fell. But even that wasn't enough to slow down the Tigers. Aleah Finnegan finished the meet with a 9.95, giving LSU the title with a score of 198.225. Cal finished second with a 197.85, with Utah third with a 197.8 and Florida fourth with a 197.4375.

Utes mistakes help lead to Tigers' title

Utah led after three and definitely had the momentum. The Utes were also finishing on the vault, widely considered to be the best event on which to end.

But then, each of the first two gymnasts fell, forcing a 9.675 to count. LSU jumped at the opportunity from the balance beam. The Tigers scored five 9.9s and set a program record on the beam in the process.

Rebound from floor mistake

KJ Johnson's 9.2875 on the floor exercise could have spelled disaster for LSU. As just the third routine — a routine that followed back-to-back 9.9s — that needed to be the drop.

As it turned out, it was. Aleah Finnegan, Bryant, and Kiya Johnson all responded with 9.925s or better to drop KJ Johnson's score and establish a lead through the first rotation.

Slow start on vault

After LSU's first three vaults — KJ Johnson, Finnegan, and Amari Drayton — all ended up in the 9.8s, the other three teams were quick to capitalize.

Schoenherr tried to stem the tide with her 9.875, but despite posting the best score to this point, she still couldn't break the 9.9 barrier. It took two consecutive 9.9s from Kiya Johnson and Bryant to right the ship, but not before the remaining teams — especially Utah — closed the gap.

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