For this project, you’ll identify a missing/overlooked topic on Wikipedia that merits further coverage to expand the depth and breadth of articles on Wikipedia, and counter its systemic biases. You must pick a topic related to class themes, that demonstrates your understanding of the diversity of human experiences, and that has sufficient English-language resources available to demonstrate your skills of research and writing.
This assignment is intended to develop the following course learning goals:
- clear communication: elegant writing following the conventions of Wikipedia, including tone, standards of proof, and digital communication.
- historical research: selection of useful and appropriate scholarly sources for your citations and outside links.
- historical knowledge: increasing Wikipedia’s coverage of the peoples and cultures of Latin America and explaining their significance.
For your chosen article, you should:
- compose at least five new paragraphs with at least three internal wikilinks per paragraph (around 5000-6000 characters total)
- incorporate three to five high-quality reference sources (footnoted in the “Sources” section)
- add at least two external links to reputable web sources (in the “External Links” section)
- include an image from Wikicommons
- Correct any factual errors, broken links, or inappropriate evidence
- Write with clarity and style, using the tone appropriate for the genre.
- Wikipedia Portal: Brazil History of Brazil Task Force
- Wikiproject: Women in Red
- Guidelines for “Good” Article Status
Examples of “good” or “featured” history articles related to our class themes:
Intermediate deadlines are available through our class Wikipedia portal, and on the course schedule.
Reflective Essay: In addition to you work improving Wikipedia, you will write a short project memo essay (500-750 words, about 3 pages) that contains at least a paragraph each on the following questions:
- Why did you select this article to create or improve? What is the larger historical significance of this entry, and how does your work make it better?
- What state was it in before your intervention? Why?
- How did you improve this entry and bring it to “good” status? Why did you choose to intervene in these ways?
- How does your work show your skills completing historical research?
- How did you shape your edits to meet the Wikipedia community guidelines (5 Pillars)
- What, if any, interactions did you have with other Wikipedia editors?
Final project due on Friday, November 27:
- before class: polished entry live on Wikipedia, and reflective essay uploaded to Moodle.
- share your slide to our collaborative Google slideshow before the end of the day.