Describe the event from in an ‘official’ or ‘neutral’ way. Describe the event from each group’s perspective. Explain how the perspectives are different and why. Comment on the significance of perspective in understanding history.

Comparative Analysis

Purpose
Understand the complexities of history by comparing the experiences of two different groups involved in the same historical event.
Examples:
• Student protestors and military members involved in the clash in Tiananmen Square, China
• Jewish settlers and Palestinian people in Israel
• South Koreans and Americans in South Korea or South and North Koreans

Assignment
Choose an historical event after WWII. It can be one covered in class or one of your choosing.
*note your topic should not be the same as the topic for your major essay.
1. Describe the event from in an ‘official’ or ‘neutral’ way.
2. Describe the event from each group’s perspective.
3. Explain how the perspectives are different and why.
4. Comment on the significance of perspective in understanding history.