HIST

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History 1302: United States History II Fall 2020

Instructor: Prof. Mark E. Green, MA, MBA E-mail: [email protected]

Short Paper 2 – The Impact of Television in the 1950s

I. Choose one of the following popular 1950s television family

situation comedies (sitcoms) and watch at least 2 episodes:

 “Father Knows Best” (1954-1960)

 “Leave it to Beaver” (1957-1963)

 “The Danny Thomas Show – Make Room for Daddy” (1953-1964)

 “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” (1952-1966)

 “The Donna Reed Show” (1958-1966)

II. Conduct outside research on the American family of the 1950s.

III. Discuss the show’s impact on American society by considering

the following questions:

 What did the show’s family look like?

- As far as its race, socioeconomic status (wealthy, middle class, poor), level education, number of members, dual or single parent household, etc. is concerned.

 How were the men, women and children portrayed in the episodes?

- What were their roles, behavior, relationships, etc.?

 What types of issues or problems did the family encounter?

 What message or messages do you think this show trying to convey to Americans about family life?

 Lastly, how does the 1950s American family compare to the American family of today?

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Grading Criteria and Guidelines:

 Paper is worth 10 points.

 Papers are due to Prof. Green via his Dallas College email, or can be uploaded into Blackboard no later than 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 30.

- *PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO

SUBMIT YOUR PAPERS. - Millions of people are working and learning online - internet

service may be slow. - Dallas College IT Department routinely updates and services

the College's network on Friday evenings, which could slow email and uploads into Blackboard.

- Lastly, it is not when you send your paper, it is when I receive it into my Dallas College email inbox that matters.

- If you turn in your paper on the due date, give yourself at least 1 hour before the 11:59 p.m. deadline to email or upload your work.

 Should be approximately 2-5 pages in length – not including the cover page. No shorter than 2 full pages.

 Papers should include a cover page that has the student’s name, date and History class section.

 Based on text (Chapter 24 in the “Give Me Liberty” eBook) and class discussions. *Outside research is required.

 All papers must be typed, in 12-point font, double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.

 Papers should use the MLA format for citations. You can also use parentheses for quotations.

 Papers should provide a “works cited” page at the end of the paper.

 For every day a paper is late 5 points will be deducted from the final grade.

 Good writing standards are required. This includes accurate spelling (especially of proper

names and adjectives), complete sentences, correct grammar and punctuation. Avoid broad statements and overgeneralizations. Abstain from slang terms or colloquialisms. Instead use formal language.

• DO NOT PLAGARIZE!

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 Reach out to me sooner than later if you have questions or need general guidance with your paper.

Paper should:

 Educate and inform the reader: Become the subject matter expert.

 Address the central question(s): And have a clear and coherent argument.

 Take a stand/position: Use the text and other sources to back up/support your position.

 Knowledge of Subject: Paper uses evidence (i.e. examples, details, facts) in a way that supports

the central argument and demonstrates a clear understanding of the material.

 Analysis of Material: Paper is critical of evidence that is presented. When using concepts,

issues, or examples in various outlets of evidence paper explains relevance to central thesis.

 Clarity/Organization: Paper is clear and well-organized. It is organized in an efficient style;

paper flows in a manner that makes sense to reader. It does not “jump” from issue-to-issue or

time period-to-time period.