Current Event Journal Assignment U7

Connections to Today: Current Event Journal Assignment (Unit 7)

Why do we study history? You’ve probably heard many references to the idea that we need to study history because history repeats itself. While this does hold validity in certain cases, it is also important to understand that history connects today to yesterday. Political decisions today are based on past decisions or events, we continue to work on social justice, and we see new interpretations of past legislation and primary source documents. History surrounds us.

Over the course of the class, you will be retrieving and evaluating current event articles (in the last 5 years); making connections between the units we are currently studying and today. You will be responsible for finding an online article from a reputable news source. For example: Time.com, USA Today, The New York Times, etc.

In your current event assignment, address each of the following:

 Provide a summary of the article (include the following: source, date, important

people and events, place/location).

 Explain the connection to the information we studied in Unit 7.

o Think of the following questions:

 How does this current event article connect to the unit we are

currently studying?

 What impact did the past have on the events taking place today?

Is it political, economic, and/or social?

 Provide specific past historical events/people/documents that are

involved and explain how they are involved.

 What does the current event article tell us about the past?

 What predictions do you have on this event affecting the future?

 Provide a reflection on your personal opinions regarding the current event article and

the historical events it is connected to.

 Make sure to provide a hyperlink to the article. (Check to make sure your

hyperlink works).

Important note: Even though this is a journaling assignment, grammar and proper APA

writing must be followed at all times. Please review all work before submitting.

See the rubric on the following page specific grading criteria.

Current Event Journal Assignment U7

HIS202 – US History II

HIS202 Current Events Journal Assignment Rubric

CRITERIA Deficient Development Needed Proficient Exemplary

Summary of Article

25 points

Does not provide a summary of the article.

(0-5 points)

Inadequately developed summary of article; missing some of the following information: Source, Date, Important people and/or events, Place/location.

(6-12 points)

Provides a summary of article with minimal detail and information; including all/some of the following information: Source, Date, Important people and/or events, Place/location.

(13-19 points)

Well-developed summary of article: includes all of the following information: Source, Date, Important people and/or events, Place/location.

(20-25 points)

Making Connection s 25 points

Does not make any connections to course content.

(0-5 points)

Minimal provides explanation on how article is connected to course content. Lacks thought, examples, and may include inaccuracies.

(6-12 points)

Provides explanation on how article is connected to course content. Shows some thought and examples.

(13-19 points)

Provides extensive explanation on how article is connected to course content. Shows in-depth thought and provides detailed examples.

(20-25 points)

Reflectio n 30 points

Does not provide a reflection of personal opinions regarding current event article and historical events.

(0-8 points)

Reflection and opinion of topic is minimally and/or unevenly developed. Does not demonstrate understanding of article and content and/or includes inaccuracies.

(9-15 points)

Provides reflection and opinion of topic.

Demonstrates basic understanding of article and content.

(16-22 points)

Reflection and opinion of topic is developed, thoughtful, and persuasive.

Demonstrates thorough understanding of article and content.

(23-30 points)

Spelling, Grammar, Sources 20 points

Grammar and spelling are deficient. No reputable source used/identified. May provide an article that is not from an acceptable news source.

(0-4 points)

Lacks polish and does not demonstrate proficiency in grammar and spelling. Uses reputable news source but does not provide hyperlink or copy of article.

(5-9 points)

Somewhat polished and inconsistently demonstrates proficiency in grammar and spelling. Uses reputable news source and provides hyperlink that may be broken or incomplete copy of article.

(10-14 points)

Polished and demonstrates proficiency in grammar and spelling. Uses reputable news source and provides working hyperlink or copy of article.

(15-20 points)