hist 131

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HISTORY 131: U.S. HISTORY FROM 1877 TO PRESENT THIELMAN FALL 2020

Historical Thinking Essay #2

• STEP ONE: GATHER EVIDENCE

• STEP TWO: EXAMINE THE EVIDENCE (are the sources you are providing primary or

secondary) • STEP THREE: RESPOND to the following prompt:

In the first essay, you proposed a topic, wrote a thesis statement, and provided five primary sources to support your thesis. From this proposal, students should have a working draft. For the second essay, you will provide a title, an additional (5) primary sources to make a total minimum of (10) primary sources, and a draft of your conclusion to be no more than 250 words. (paragraph)

• STEP FOUR: Submit the following to Turnitin in Cougar Course class shell (Week 13: Rise of Conservatism) no later than 11:59 pm on Nov 29, 2020

- Page one: Name, Course, Instructor, Date (top left corner) Write your conclusion in a single paragraph of no more than 205 words.

- Page Two: Works Cited page with ALL TEN primary sources you will use for the Digital History Project

For this essay:

• Make sure your conclusion summarizes your evidence and supports your argument (thesis

statement).

• Be as specific and concise as you can, tie the evidence from your essay together.

• Make sure you have a minimum of TEN (10) primary sources in your works cited page.

• You can choose evidence that reflects BOTH opposition to and support for your thesis. Showing both sides will bolster your argument.

• Wikipedia, Spartacus Educational, Encyclopedias, Kahn, or other open formats are NOT

PRIMARY SOURCES and are NOT ACCEPTABLE for college level work. You will lose points for using this material.

• Your short answer essay should be no longer that (250) words, typewritten (Times New Roman,

12pt font), double spaced with 1-inch margins, use standard citation style such as APA, MLA, or Chicago.

• I graded the first essays VERY GENEROUSLY. Some of the essays I received last time will not

receive a passing grade if I receive what appears to be a draft again. If you submit what amounts to be something written five minutes before 11:59 pm on November 29, you can expect to receive a

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low grade. I will take points away for failure to follow the instructions and guidelines given herein. Remember, you are the CEO of your education and you will get out of this class, what you put in!

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SOLID ACADEMIC WRITING

• Address every question. Be sure to answer every question in the prompt.

• Organize your thoughts and your argument. Include an introduction that lays out the main argument (thesis). Develop your argument and provide evidence in the body of the response. Conclude the essay with a brief summary.

• Prove your point. Provide ample evidence to support your argument(s) by providing

concrete examples and quotations from your reading. Cite relevant people, places, and events.

• Write clearly and carefully. Does every sentence make sense? If you need help organizing

your thoughts into academic language, you are strongly encouraged to consult your instructor’s office hours and/or the CSUSM Writing Center for assistance. Poor spelling, syntax, punctuation and grammar are often a sign of sloppiness and will weigh heavily against your grade.

• Think for yourself. Answer the questions with your own brainpower, in your own words.

This is a historical thinking assignment.

• Avoid personal sentiments. Voice your view, but avoid using the first person and personal

sentiments such as “I feel that…” or “I believe that…” Your essay should make an academic argument based on evidence—not opinion.

***The essay is due to Cougar Courses by 11:59 pm on Sunday, November 29 ***