Final Thematic Essay Assignment

To demonstrate your understanding of U.S. History from Reconstruction to the Modern Era, choose one of the thematic essays listed below.

Pay special attention to the following expectations:

 At least 5 reputable sources

 APA formatting (see the Student Success Resources link in

Blackboard for information on this format)

 3-5 written pages (not including title page or reference page)

 Essay organization – Includes introduction with thesis statement, multiple

body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Essay Choices: 1. Immigration - Compare the geographical trends, tensions surrounding the issue of

immigration, and the United States government response to these tensions for the

years 1880 to 1925 and 2000 to the present day.

2. Technology – Analyze the impact of technology on society and politics in the 1920s,

1950s, and 2000s. In what ways was the effect on society and politics in each of these

time periods similar and different?

3. War and Policies – Compare and contrast the post-WWI Red Scare, the post-WWII

anticommunism campaign, and the war on terrorism after September 11th & the Iraq

War. What effect did fear have on political decisions, elections, and domestic /foreign

policies?

Your final thematic essay assignment is due at the end of WEEK 8.

Please use the rubric on the following page to help develop your

essay.

Final Thematic Essay Assignment

HIS202 – US History II

HIS202 Final Thematic Essay Assignment Rubric

CRITERIA Deficient Development Needed

Proficient Exemplary

Thesis Statemen

t 10 points

Unclear or incomplete and does not demonstrate an understanding of social studies concepts.

(0-1 points)

Weak or inadequately developed, and marginally demonstrates an understanding of social studies concepts.

(2-4 points)

Clear, developed, and demonstrates a limited understanding of social studies concepts.

(5-7 points)

Clear, well- developed, and demonstrates an analytical understanding of social studies concepts.

(8-10 points)

Addressed

Essay Question 40

points

Does not answer all aspects of essay question, is missing information, and/or provides inaccurate information.

Lacks support by research and examples, may include inaccurate information. Does not demonstrate understandi ng of content.

(0-10 points)

Inadequately answers all aspects of essay question or is missing information. Supported by limited research and examples, which may include inaccuracies. Minimally demonstrates understanding of content, demonstrates gaps in understanding.

(11-20 points)

Minimally or unevenly answers all aspects of essay question.

Adequately supported by limited research and examples. Minimally demonstrates understanding of content.

(21-30 points)

Thoroughly answers all aspects of essay question. Well- supported by extensive research and examples.

Demonstrates extensive understanding of content.

(31-40 points)

Analysi s 40 points

Analysis is attempted but is minimally developed.

Lacks thought and persuasion. Demonstrates minimal or inaccurate understanding of theme across time.

(0-10 points)

Analysis of topic is minimally developed, thoughtful, and persuasive. Demonstrates minimal understanding of theme across time.

(11-20 points)

Analysis of topic is developed, thoughtful, and persuasive.

Demonstrates basic understanding of theme across time.

(21-30 points)

Analysis of topic is well-developed, very thoughtful, and persuasive.

Demonstrates in- depth understanding of theme across time.

(31-40 points)

Spelling, Grammar 20 points

Lacks organizatio n, logic and clarity.

Transitions seldom used to connect ideas. Shows minimal understandin g of essay development.

(0-4 points)

Organized, but may lack logic and clear articulation. Attempts transitions to connect ideas. Shows limited understanding of essay development.

(5-9 points)

Generally organized, logical and clearly articulated. Transitions used to connect ideas. Inconsistent in showing understanding of essay development.

(10-14 points)

Well-developed essay structure. Organized, logical, and clearly articulated.

Transitions smoothly connect ideas. Shows understanding of essay development.

(15-20 points)

Clarity & Organizatio n 20 points

Lacks organizatio n, logic and clarity.

Transitions seldom used to connect ideas. Shows minimal understandin g of essay development.

(0-4 points)

Organized, but may lack logic and clear articulation. Attempts transitions to connect ideas. Shows limited understanding of essay development.

(5-9 points)

Generally organized, logical and clearly articulated. Transitions used to connect ideas. Inconsistent in showing understanding of essay development.

(10-14 points)

Well-developed essay structure. Organized, logical, and clearly articulated.

Transitions smoothly connect ideas. Shows understanding of essay development.

(15-20 points)

Paper Format 10 points

APA references provided; no use of in-text citations.

(0-1 point)

APA format is minimally attempted with errors and/or missing requirements/compone nts. May only cite quotes and include references.

(2-4 points)

Use of APA format is attempted with errors and/or missing requirements/compone nts.

(5-7 points)

Proper use of APA format is present throughout the paper.

(8-10 points)

Source s 10 points

Uses/identifie s 0 reputable sources.

(0-1 point)

Uses/identifies 1-2 reputable sources.

(2-4 points)

Uses/identifies 3 -4 reputable sources.

(5-7 points)

Uses/identifies 5 or more reputable sources.

(8-10 points)