Complete a final culminating project that synthesizes course materials and explains the value of a
lifelong commitment to historical inquiry and civic engagement by exploring how one or more of the forms of
historical expression we’ve covered portrays LOCAL history or society here in Bakersfield/Kern County/the San
Joaquin Valley. This mini-research project involves creating and presenting (for a grade) a Power Point
Presentation. Steps involved include the following (FOLLOW THE 6 DIRECTIONS BELOW CAREFULLY):
Choose a form of historical expression: Identify a relatively recent “text” (produced in the last 100 years) that
portrays some aspect of the history of Bakersfield/Kern County/the San Joaquin Valley that fits in one or two of
the following categories: ) Cinema, Documentary, and Television 2.) Print Culture 3.) Public Art & Exhibitions,
and 4.) Digital Platforms. Get approval from your professor on your selection.
Research the “text”: Relying on AT LEAST ONE scholarly book or journal article (NOT Wikipedia!), for
information on the “text” you have chosen and how it portrays an aspect of the history of Bakersfield/Kern
County/ the San Juaquin Valley. In your research, focus your attention on answering the following questions
about the “text” you chose:
WHO produced the source?
Of WHAT ethnicity, nationality, religion, social movement, or culture is the author/producer?
WHAT social movements, ideologies, religions, arguments, events, and/or cultural assumptions were prevalent
or occurring at the time the source was produced?
WHERE was the source produced?
WHEN was the source produced?
WHY did the author/producer create the source?
WHAT group is the author/producer’s intended audience?
WHAT is the author/producer’s argument about or portrayal of Bakersfield/Kern County/the San Juaquin
Valley?
WHAT motives, biases or interests did the author/producer have in creating this source?
SUPPLY ANSWERS OF NO LESS THAN 15 WORDS EACH TO ALL OF THE ABOVE QUESTIONS ON A
SINGLE SLIDE THAT YOU PLACE SOMEWHERE IN YOUR POWER POINT PRESENTATION.
Prepare a Power Point Presentation: In the Power Point, communicate AND illustrates your research. Provide
at least 4 (four) images relating to the “text” you chose on your. Don’t be minimalist with just a few bullet points.
Instead, provided at least some short 10 to 20 word narrative sections to explain each of the images and your
research process in locating them.
On at least one slide in your presentation, provide a write-up of how this project improved your understanding
of locality and civic engagement: In 100 words or more, outline how this project improved your understanding
of the following:
The role of the media style you explored as a form of community and identity construction.
What it means to be a member of that local community consuming those representations of your community.
How it inspired you to be more involved in your community, either in its representation or in actions you can
take to benefit the community.