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History Day - Communication in History

Communication in History: The Key to Understanding - annual theme for 2021, 2005

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Communication in History: The Key to Understanding

Communication in History Topics

Possible Subjects and Tips

Here are some very broad ideas to get you started. When you have a focused idea, let us know and we'll see what we might have.

  • Check the National History day page for suggestions on focusing your topics, especially the 2021 Handbook.
  • Methods of communication - media, news, newspapers, advertisements, telephones, telegrams, signal flags, sign language, body language, dance, music, theater, visual arts, computers, political cartoons, spy codes, technological advances, translation tools, political party/candidates communication, propaganda posters, graphic novels, social media, and more.
  • Style of communication - language and words. Autism, regional differences, synchronous/asynchronous, etc.
  • Oral tradition or Written Word
  • First Amendment
  • Specific events (famous speeches and/or protests).
  • Bearing Witness
  • Slang
  • Restriction or suppression of communication (ex. banning indigenous languages in federal "Indian" schools, censorship, challenging books in school and public libraries, etc.)
  • United States Information Agency (USIA) and United States Information Service (USIS)
  • United States Office of War Information (OWI) - VOA; Hollywood film industry, Psychological Warfare Branch (PWB)
  • Voice of America (VOA)
  • Withholding information for national security.
  • Edward R. Murrow, Walter Cronkite, or other journalist and news broadcasters.
  • Censorship
  • Fashion as means of communication

Communication

These are examples of some resources covering communication in general.

State Agencies

Archives

Books, Documents, etc.

Other Institutions

Terminology and Usage Disclaimer

Please be advised that some of these resources--particularly those created in previous eras--contain descriptions for ancestral, racial, ethnic, and gender identity that may be offensive or harmful to individuals investigating these records, and are considered inappropriate to use in modern times. The descriptions and treatment of historically marginalized groups, women, and animals may be upsetting. Also, please note that inclusion in this subject guide does not necessarily constitute endorsement of the views therein--we encourage investigators to use their own judgment when evaluating books, websites, articles, documents, and other resources.

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