Term Paper Topics, Russ 275

Here are some possible topics for your 10-page paper.

Any major historical  or cultural figure (see the study guides for examples)

Any major literary figure of any period

Any major artist, painter, composer; Kaplan mentions at least one artist in every country he visits.

Any major literary work or collection of works

Any major work of art, architecture, or musical composition

Any movement: artistic, intellectual, political

Any major problem in the Balkans

            Some aspect of the Macedonian question

            Ethnic conflict in ______; e.g., Albanians in Kosova, in Macedonia; Gypsies in ___

            The current situation in, e.g., Bosnia, or Kosova

Your topic will determine to some degree your approach. First pick something of interest: it does not have to relate in any obvious way to current problems in the Balkans. What is important is that when you are done with your paper, you should have a good understanding of at least one aspect of one culture of the Balkans.

Other Possibilities

Folk literature can be found in all countries in all periods. Karadzić (Serbian) and Iorga (Romania) are good subjects here (both collected folk stories); you could write on them or on the works they collected.

A book report is also fine for your paper. You may choose any book on the Balkans; it could be a biography of cultural or historical figure, or a monograph on cultural movement or historical event.

Films are also possible topics. For example, any film by the Serbian director Emir Kusturica is fine for a topic. Just be sure to check it with me first.

Sometimes you can get ideas by browsing books on Amazon.com or other online bookstores. Or check out our library or our bookstore on campus.

Whatever you do, CHECK YOUR TOPIC WITH ME! (gutscheg@u.arizona.edu)

Need help with your writing? Click here first: http://www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/Assignments.html

The UA English department also can help you with your writing: http://uawc.web.arizona.edu/appoint.htm