Usually, you don't have to take any physics classes if physics is not your major. Many schools have a "science" requirement, but this can be biology, chemistry, etc. Check with your school to make sure though. Also, if you're interested in going on to medical school then you'll need 2 semesters of non-calculus based physics.
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.