As stated in your syllabus, narrow your topic enough for you to add a meaningful subtitle to the large theme given in your essay topics:
Example:
Large topic: How did societies cope with epidemic diseases?
Subtitle or Sub-topic: ....in 19th century Toronto, municipal involvement increased and mortality rates decreased. This increased/decreased the stigmatization and isolation of immigrants.
Sample Broad Topic: Medicine and Society
Narrower topic: How did societies cope with epidemic diseases such as Cholera?
To narrow your topic further, you can consult reference sources and consider the following:
Which Geographic Regions you are focusing on:
Examples:
- United Kingdom, Great Britain, England, Wales
- Europe, Germany
- North America, Upper Canada, Lower Canada, New York
- Quebec, Toronto, Town of York
Which Period of Time are you focusing on:
- Cambridge Histories Online can provide overviews of particular time periods
Examine a particular event, or historical process, or document within the theme or topic you have chosen from the given list:
Examples:
- Incorporation of Toronto in 1834 from former Town of York
- First By-Laws of Toronto
- Immigration to Toronto
Try the following:
Different terminology might be used for the same or similar concepts at different times in history:
- Town of York or Toronto
- Upper Canada or Ontario
- Hospital or infirmary or Asylum
Synonyms or variations of words:
- Indian Cholera or Asiatic Cholera
- Waste management or sanitation