U.S. History Learn from Past

Assessment 4

Assessment Instructions

Overview

For this assessment, imagine you are a person living through an important historical event, innovation, or movement during the 19th or 20th century—one that emerged to solve a problem or that created problems of its own. Write a letter describing that event, innovation, or movement as if you were someone who actually experienced it. For example, you could write from the perspective of someone who was part of the women’s suffrage movement in the 1910s, a member of the Underground Railroad in the 1850s, or a soldier in the Vietnam War during the Tet Offensive in 1968.

Preparation

Explore a particular historical event, innovation, or movement from the 19th or 20th century that interests you. Refer to the chapter readings in the Resources for options from which you may wish to choose. 

Instructions

Step 1: Describe an historical event, innovation, or movement from the perspective of someone who lived in that time.

· Describe an historical event, innovation, or movement that happened during the 19th or 20th century from the perspective of someone who lived in that time (either a real person or fictionalized).

Step 2: Explain the personal impact of an historical event, innovation, or movement on that person.

· You can also discuss the impact of the historical event, innovation, or movement on the family and/or community of the person.

Step 3: Explain the problem associated with an historical event, innovation, or movement and potential solutions to that problem.

· For example, if you are writing as a member of the Underground Railroad in the mid-19th century, you might discuss your thoughts on addressing the problem of slavery. Similarly, if you are writing as someone who experienced the Great Depression, you might examine the factors that caused this crisis and ways to address such economic problems.

Step 4: Describe the potential impact of an historical event on the future, based on the perspective of someone who lived through that event.

· Reflect on how the event might impact the future. For example, if you are writing as someone experiencing the Cold War, consider how those living at the height of Cold War tensions might have viewed the future.

Step 5: Write coherently with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics.

Additional Requirements

Your submission should meet the following requirements:

· Written communication: Written communication should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.

· Citations and formatting: Include a title page formatted according to  APA Style and Format  guidelines. Citing sources is not required for this assessment, but be sure to write in your own words based on your knowledge of the time period.

· Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.

· Length: 3–5 pages of text (in addition to the title page).

Competencies Measured

By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:

· Competency 2: Determine the causes and long-term impacts of an historical event.

. Describe an historical event, innovation, or movement from the perspective of someone who lived in that time.

. Explain the impact of an historical event, innovation, or movement on a person who lived in that time.

. Describe the potential impact of an historical event on the future, based on the perspective of someone who lived through that event.

· Competency 3: Explain lessons learned from U.S. historical events and their potential influence on a current problem or situation.

. Explain the problem associated with an historical event, innovation, or movement, including potential solutions to that problem. 

· Competency 4: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and relevant to its purpose and audience.

. Write in a well-organized and concise manner that adheres to the rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics.