Workshop Assignment #2: Questioning & Connecting

For Workshop on “The Origins of the Cold War”:

Read the documents in ch. 31 of Shi & Mayer. This first time through, read quickly. You just want to get a sense of the whole.

Now, give some thought to asking good historical questions:

• On a sheet of paper like this one, type two questions that would not make good historical questions for Monday’s Workshop. In a sentence, explain why. Feel free to model your bad questions on the bad questions we discussed in class. But do try to come up with questions that are flawed for different reasons.
• Now type two questions you think would make good historical questions. After you’ve made some coffee and given the matter a little more thought, explain briefly why you would choose to pursue one over the other. What reasons would make one better or at least preferable than the other?
• Now it’s time to look for connections. With your best question in mind, turn your page over and draw a concept map like the one below. When I say “like” the one below, I don’t mean exactly like it. Follow your pencil. I drew rectangles; you might draw oblongs. I noted 11 connections; you might find 111. Your concept map should show all the connections you can think of between documents relevant to your question. I’ll award a prize to the one who sees the most connections. (Tip: If you don’t like ice cream, don’t try too hard on this.)

For ideas on “concept mapping,” check out the simple “how to” online at http://www.graphic.org/concept.html.

WWII Concept Map

(Click for larger view.)

Concept Maps have practical applications in other courses, too:

• Handy way to take notes during lecture.
• Excellent aids to group brainstorming.
• Planning your studies and career.
• Providing graphics for your presentations and term papers.
• A way to outline your term papers and presentations.
• Refine your creative and critical thinking.

Remember: A completed assignment is your ticket to class for the Workshop.