I need an essay for my history class

Workshop Essay #8 Historical Thinking Essay Topic: The  Vietnam  War

Due: Sunday, May 4 at 6:00pm Submit in D2L in the Drop Box

Assignment: Write a 3-4 page historical essay based upon the documents from Schaller, Chapter 27 – “The Optimism and the Anguish of the 1960s” (pages 290-298) You can also use your analysis from the film screening to provide historical context in your essay.

Formatting: typed, double spaced, 1” margins, indent each new paragraph, number pages

Caveat: This essay is not a summary of the primary sources. Nor is it a “reaction” paper where you offer your thoughts on what you read. Nor is it intended for you to “discuss” what you have read.

What is the Assignment?

The essay is an argument, assembled in answer to some question, using primary documents as evidence.

You can go about completing this assignment anyway you wish, but here is a basic way to approach the work: 1. Read the assigned documents. Refer to the “How to Read a Primary Source” aid that is attached to this assignment in the drop box or in the Course Information section. Use this aid to formulate your ideas and thoughts as you read. You do not have to answer the questions found at the end of each source in the book, but you might find answering them helpful to you.

2. Take a break. Go to the gym, run errands, etc. Give yourself time to digest the information you read. Now you need a question that the documents can answer. Ask yourself a question of historical interpretation that the documents can answer. Refer to the “How to Ask a Good Question” aid that is attached to this assignment in the drop box or in the Course Information section.

> A bad question: What year did Reconstruction begin? This is a bad question because it’s really easy to answer and doesn’t require much thinking and it is boring.

>A good question, but difficult to answer: Which group was most responsible for Reconstruction’s failure? Awesome question, but the documents you read don’t address this issue. You might be able to find some kind of answer and evidence from the internet, but I want you to use the documents from the book only.

>A good question: During Reconstruction, how well did the U.S. address the racism and violence experienced by freed Americans? The documents you read can answer this question! And any answer given is debatable, which also makes it interesting.

3. Study the documents, formulate your thesis. Return to the documents and now pore over them, looking for answers to your question. The conclusion/answer you come to will become your thesis of your essay. You want to defend and explain an arguable thesis that at least partially answers your question.

>A poor thesis: Freed Americans were not treated fairly during Reconstruction. No duh! Not really debatable, is it?

>A good thesis: The Klu Klux Klan was the ultimate winner during Reconstruction. This is debatable!; which makes it defendable and interesting.

4. Write your essay to provide credible reasons for believing in your thesis.

> Bad: Only one reason is given; or your reasons don’t relate well to your thesis. >Don’t do this! Make a claim about something, and then don’t cite from one of the documents to back up your claim. >Good: You offer at least two relevant reasons to support your thesis. You cite specific and relevant evidence from the documents to support your claims.

5. Consider the opposition. At some point in your essay, consider a claim that opposes your thesis/reasons; then rebut this opposing argument with new evidence or reasoning that reinforces your original thesis. Or, just admit that the objection to your view is certainly something to consider, but it doesn’t change your mind, and then explain why.

6. Finish Up. -At the end of the essay, triple space and then write the question you attempted to answer. Then write a question or two that asks for new and unknown data that would help us test your thesis.

-At the top of the paper, type: Your full name Assignment Number and Assignment Title The Topic “I pledge my honor that I have not violated the Oakton Academic Code of Conduct in the preparation of

this assignment.”

Remember: Submission of this assignment is your “ticket” into class on May 6. If you have not submitted this assignment by the due date and time, then you will not be permitted to attend class.