The Extended Essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, culminating in a 4,000-word research paper.  As a required component of the IB Diploma program, it provides practical preparation for undergraduate research and an opportunity for students to engage in an in-depth study of a topic of interest within a chosen subject.  Students are supported throughout the process with advice and guidance from an assigned supervisor at school.
Participation in this process develops the capacity to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate knowledge.  Emphasis is placed on the research process:

• Formulating an appropriate research question
• Engaging in a personal exploration of the topic
• Communicating ideas
• Developing an argument

Past Extended Essay topics of Harrisburg Academy’s IB Diploma students include:

Topic:  Film
“What techniques were utilized in The Wizard of Oz that promoted racism?” 

Topic:  Human Rights
“What's the difference between the way women are portrayed in the Quran and they are treated (by government) in Saudi Arabia?”

Topic:  Biology/Genetics
“Can a screening/natural history study be used to better characterize McCune-Albright Syndrome?”

Topic:  History
“To what extent, is General Douglas MacArthur responsible for the division of Republic of Korea (ROK) and Communist Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) at the end of Korean War?”