It does sound like he could may be like you but be careful if he is your lecturer and the age difference could be a problem, but one which I am all for :) if it isnt a problem that he is your superior and if you like him, ask him out for a casual drink or something and see what happens :).
He sounds friendly but he can seriously jeopardize his job if he dates you. I would keep it friends. If does ask you out please make sure you already graduated!
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.