WRITE AN ESSAY ON A NATION IN TURMOIL
Sometimes in history, we have a bad habit of over-simplifying
difficult concepts and of making generalizations that are not borne out
of the facts. In the Civil War, for example, we tend to approach the
issue of slavery believing that everyone in the North wanted slavery to
be abolished, while everyone in the South supported slavery. However, a
theme I emphasize in my classes is that history is complicated because
people are complicated.
Task
Initial Post:
As you have learned more about the people and events leading up to
the Civil War, you have probably learned something about the complexity
of the issues, the complications that do not fit the generalizations.
For your initial posting, write about two
events, opinions, or perhaps documents that did not fit the easy
generalizations that you may have entered this unit believing. Present
these two items as if you are teaching the class about them, explaining
them fully and completely and emphasizing how they break the
generalization. Feel free to be creative: create a power point, a prezi,
etc. if you would like.
Response to classmate
For your response to a classmate’s post, find one that addressed
something you did not address. React to that post either confirming why
you agree that the event/opinion/document counters the generalization or
disagreeing with your classmate, if you feel the event/opinion/document
actually supports the generalization.
Note about your quotations:
Remember that you need to cite your source when you quote from a
reading. Reminder: Quotations should not be more than 10-15% of your
paper. They are not to take the place of your own ideas or thoughts;
they help support your ideas and thoughts. For these readings, use these
in-text citations and these full citations at the end of your postings.
Please see the Citation Help.pdf for guidelines for citing sources.
This activity may use a different grading rubric than what was used
in past activities. Be sure to check the grading rubric before starting.
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