His. 121 = Early American History

Final Cumulative Essay - Argumentative Essay on American Identity

 

Question:  What is an American?  When did such an identity form and how did it evolve over time?

 

Purpose

Knowledge:

After doing this assignment you will have a clear idea of the role of identity in shaping American history, and the complexity of the relationship of economics, society, and culture in Early America.

Skills:

After doing this assignment you should be able to:

• Synthesize and incorporate multiple sources to concisely create an effective argument.
• Use evidence from both primary and secondary sources to prove your argument.
• Analyze material based on historical context.
• NOTE= remember this is a history course, not a literature course.
  

 

Task

1. Read all the Primary sources assigned on the syllabus/schedule.  (Primary source)
2. Read all the textbook readings assigned on the syllabus/schedule (Secondary source)
3. Write an argumentative essay of no more than 1500 words that answers the following question:

 

Compose an essay the answers the Question:

The formation of an American identity was a long and complicated process.  What is an

American?  When did such an identity form and how did it evolve over time?

-----You must address all 3 eras of the course as outlined on the syllabus.
-----You must use at least 3 different primary sources (of those assigned on the syllabus.)
-----Your essay should draw on detailed evidence from lectures, primary sources, and the textbook.

(You may take any stance you want, but your argument must be original and well proven.)

 

 Tips

• The Primary sources are your evidence.  They should be used along with other evidence from the textbook and lectures to prove your argument.   They are NOT the subject of the paper.
• Remember this is a history course, not a literature course.

Submission instructions/Requirements (Failure to follow any of these will result in grade deductions)

-Submit paper through  Canvas before the due date and time.

-Must be written/composed in Google docs.

-You must  use Footnotes for all information except that which comes from your own mind.

            + http://libguides.nvcc.edu/ChicagoTurabian

-Most follow the formatting outlined on the syllabus and Kinch’s Writing Guide.
-Required Format:     -12pt.  font /Arial / 1 in. margins / Double spaced

 

Criteria

You will be assessed on your ability to analyze the vast scope of the historical era to develop, set forth, and prove your argument using primary and secondary sources effectively.