Together, we will collaboratively build a digital exhibit exploring Latina/o mobility in 20th century California. Each student will contribute to the collective public exhibit while also preparing a final assessment for an academic audience. Your proposal is a work plan. In two to three pages, describe your research topic, how you plan to use new media, and the sources you plan to consult. Be prepared to discuss your proposals in class for feedback. When we come back together, we will determine the shape our exhibit and the final assessments. Use the following sections to guide you:

Great research papers begin with thoughtful research questions. Your topic should be narrow enough to be answered, while at the same time contributing to a broader historical topic. For instance, a project on Puerto Rican restaurants would be too broad to effectively research. However, a paper examining how restaurant ownership impacted Puerto Ricans who migrated to Los Angeles during World War II is both narrow enough to research and allows room to make broader historical connections (ex: how small businesses helped maintain cultural identity among migrant communities). 

When choosing a topic consider: Is this question narrow enough to answer? Does it show change over time? What type of evidence will I need to make a convincing argument? And, how is the answer to this question relevant to historians? 

In your proposal, describe how your research topic ties into our collective theme. Which aspects of this research could be used in the public exhibit (website)? And which aspects are better suited for an academic audience (final assessment)? Where might these areas overlap?

How will you engage new media in your project? Have you identified particular archives or digital collections that will help you answer your question? Are you interested in creating your own media, such as an exhibit of objects, or annotating existing media, such as photography? 

Create a bibliography of approximately 10 sources that will help you answer your question. This should include both primary and secondary sources. You are welcome to use books and other resources from this class. Next week, we will visit the Beinecke to review Yale’s Western Americana collection. Other useful sources on California history, include: