Interesting History Research Paper Topics
If you have reached the final stretch of graduation, it is time to think about possible topics for your History final project. The area offers several possibilities – and, precisely because of having so many options, students are in doubt about which topic to choose.
The degree course in History lasts three to four years. During this period, students learn about teaching methodology, Ancient, Medieval, Modern History, Pre-Colonial and Colonial Africa. At the end of college, to obtain the degree, it is necessary to fulfil the workload of the course and deliver a research paper.
In this article, we would look at some topics you can work on for your final project.
Tips for choosing a research topic
Indeed, it is important to point out that researchers can even give generic names to academic works, however, what makes the research different from the others is the level of depth, the purpose of the study and the originality of the topic. A good research topic is proportional, has academic value, is neither too extensive nor restricted, it is clear and well delimited. Below are some tips for choosing the right topic:
Consider interests and directions
The student is free to choose the topic of his research paper, considering his preferences and experiences throughout the undergraduate course. In case of doubt, he can accept his supervisor’s suggestion l, without losing sight of personal interests.
Check the studies that already exist
As soon as the topic is defined, the researcher must know the state of the topic, that is, what has already been published by other researchers on the subject. In doing so, he does not run the risk of presenting as “new” something that is already known in the academic community. Databases and digital repositories are powerful sources of research. So, use Google Scholar and Scielo.
Find gaps
Controversial and obscure areas are engines for successful research. Based on the bibliography consulted, check which aspects of the topic have not yet been reported.
Specify with time and space
When a research topic seems very broad, the student must specify the context, that is, place it in time and space. Consider a history student interested in investigating the role of the Colonial masters in the period of military dictatorship. To specify the approach, he can consider only a few years of the period and a location.
Example: The role of colonial masters in the military dictatorship in Nigeria (between 1967 and 1977).
Some project topics & ideas for History research paper
1. Gender History
Impact of Women in the Nigerian Civil War
Many research works have discussed the causes and implications of the Nigerian civil war, the roles of major actors both domestic and foreign in the civil war. But very few works exist on the role women played during the civil war. This research work will examine the role of women during the civil war years on both sides of the divide. It will contribute to the existing discussion on the important roles’ women play in society from time immemorial.
A Historical Appraisal of the Women Revolt of 1929
Indeed, many researchers have given credit to the women revolt of 1929 as the starting point of industrial struggle in Nigeria. However, this research work will examine this movement from the perspective of the beginning of women’s agitation in Nigeria. This will also examine how the role of women changed from domestic care at the beginning of colonial rule to a major player in the nationalist struggle.
African Women in Politics 1995-2018
This research work is unique as it will examine the role women have played in politics between 1995, which was the yea the famous Beijing Women’s Conference held to promote the involvement of women in national development. The world agreed on a comprehensive plan to achieve global legal equality. The terminal date for this research is 2018 as it marked the end of the era of an African woman holding the highest political position of any country.
This research work will also examine the role African played in international organisations within this period.
2. Economic History
Comparative analysis of the colonial economy and 21st Century in Africa
There have been many discussions on the continued underdevelopment of Africa in the 21st century despite the abundance of human and natural resources. However, very few have identified the similarities in the economic pattern of many African societies before their independence and the 21st century. It is for this reason; this research work will carry out a comparative study of the economies of selected African societies in the eras under review.
Economic History of Lagos 1967-1991
Lagos is regarded as the economic capital of Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria. Many attributes the economic growth of the metropolitan city to many factors. This research work aims to conduct a historical survey of the economic development of the city between the establishment date in 1967 and when it stopped being the Federal capital of Nigeria. This research work will also examine the impact of the economic development of Lagos to the overall development of the country.
Oil exploration and Niger Delta agitation
The oil exploration and production in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria has impacted Nigeria in different ways ranging from political, socio-cultural to economic impact. This research work seeks to examine how oil exploration led to the development of economic agitation in Nigeria. This research work will also examine how the economic agitation in the region metamorphosed into militancy in the region which inadvertently has affected the security architecture of Nigeria.
3. Socio-Cultural History
A critical study of the dominance of Hausa-Fulani in Northern Nigeria in the 21st Century
The Hausa-Fulani group is the most populous amongst the ethnic groups in Northern Nigeria, hence, it is not surprising that its culture is dominant in the region. However, with the rising cries of marginalisation and subjugation from minority ethnic groups in the region, it remains the dominant culture in the 21at century. This research work will examine the deep rootedness of the Hausa-Fulani culture among selected ethnic groups and the influence it wields over the independent cultural activities of the groups.
The Impact of Islam and Christianity on cultural festivals in southwestern Nigeria
Southwest Nigeria is home to the Yoruba people, and it is believed to be the most religious tolerant group in Nigeria. Very few families in the region do not have a mixture of members practising the three-dominant religion in Nigeria, Christianity, Islam, and traditional African worship.
The practice of Christianity and Islam in Nigeria has significantly influenced a lot of cultural activities in Nigeria and this research work seeks to examine the introduction of foreign practices into cultural festivals in Yoruba land. This research will investigate the impact of these religions in the practice of festivals in the region.
4. Education History
Development and impact of private tertiary institutions in Nigeria 1999-2014
The educational sector of Nigeria has been considered to be inadequate to cater for the population size of the country. The public institutions have continuously exceeded their capacity, hence, the continued rot in the educational system. However, from the end of the 20th century, the private sector began to interfere in the development of educational facilities in the country. 2014 witnessed the proliferation of private tertiary institutions in the country. This research work seeks to examine the development and impact of these institutions in the educational development of Nigeria.
5. Political History
Decay in the electoral system: A study of the 2007 general election
There is a serious lack of trust in the electoral system in Nigeria and this has resulted in calls for reforms. To understand the rot in the electoral system, this study will examine the 2007 general election which has been tagged by many as the most fraudulent election held in the country. This research work will also examine the impact of the electoral malpractices that characterised the election on subsequent elections in the country.
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