Government Paper

1

Reading for Social/Personal Responsibility Paper

This assignment requires the student to read selected chapters from The Gilded Age: A History in

Documents. Students will analyze and interpret these primary and secondary sources to formulate a

short paper based on the social and personal responsibilities of various figures. The assignment is

worth 50 points.

Social and Personal Responsibility Paper: Students will choose a selection from The Gilded

Age: A History in Documents to analyze and write a 1 page paper (Formatting requirements:

single-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 point font, 1” margins, no headings except name and paper

title); Papers not meeting the stated formatting requirements will be docked 5 points). The

definition of “1 page” is 1 full page (not half a page or ¾ of a page), with no words on another

page. This is meant to help students learn to write in a precise and concise manner.

The paper must discuss the social and personal responsibility of those involved in the events

described in the selection and how these things might apply to modern America. Social

responsibility is defined as a demonstration of civic responsibility and its engagement in various

larger communities. Personal responsibility is defined as an evaluation of choices and actions of

others or one’s own actions and relate the consequences (good and/or bad) to decision-making.

Students must discuss these issues using critical thinking and effectively communicate their views

on these topics in their papers.

The deadline for submission of the paper portion is listed on the link to turn in this

assignment. No late papers will be accepted, NO EXCEPTIONS. The students will turn 1

electronic copy to the class dropbox online, otherwise the student will be assigned a ZERO for

the paper assignment. Failure to turn in this assignment will adversely affect your final course

grade.

Students may choose any of the chapter sub-sections in The Gilded Age to write about for their

paper (e.g.: “Exodusters” or “From Rags to Riches” or “Sports” – These can be found in the Table

of Contents. If the section you want to do is not formatted like the examples given here, you cannot

do that section. Only chapter sub-headings are acceptable). Only one student per class can write on

a particular section and preference will be on a first come, first served basis. If a student writes

on the same section as another student who claimed it first, the second student will receive no

credit for their paper. Claim your paper on the discussion board in the “Paper Assignment”

tab.

Writing tips: Statements such as “I think…” “I feel…” “I believe…” “This showed

personal/social responsibility by…” and any other statement like these should not find their way

into your paper. You can express these sentiments without resorting to high school level writing.

Do not use contractions in formal writing (don’t, won’t, can’t, etc.). Use paragraphs, they are your

friend! If you would like help becoming a better writer, please ask Dr. Smith for assistance.