Assignment
Write a well-organized 2-3 page paper in which you do the following:
Discuss how the course of the Salem witch outbreak was influenced by the Puritan beliefs
and culture of Massachusetts Bay Colony, and by widely-held beliefs in the supernatural
and related practices. I’m not looking for a sweeping, comprehensive thesis here. Simply
identify 5 to 6 specific examples and use these as the basis of your argument.
That said, it’s not enough to simply present the examples. You need to discuss each and
explain its impact.
Sources
In writing this paper, limit yourself to the assigned and supplemental readings posted for
the course. Do not use outside sources unless you’ve cleared them with me. If you feel you
need more information than is available from the posted readings, let me know.
Be sure to document your use of sources through in-text citations and a reference list. Any
paper that fails to include both will be returned without a grade.
In-text citations for the law codes can be handled through a single initial reference and
thereafter by either the number of the law or the scriptural chapter and verse in parentheses.
Secondary works should be cited using APA, MLA or Chicago Manual of Style formatting.
You can use whichever style you like.
Grading Criteria and Grading Rubric
The paper will be graded on content, quality of thought, effort and analysis, and on the
clarity and effectiveness of the writing and organization.
These criteria will be broadly weighted as follows:
1. Substance (35%): active analysis (as opposed to simple description); thoughtful
observations and conclusions; factual accuracy
2. Thought and effort (35%): the above, along with a well-written and well-organized
presentation, proofread and revised
3. Clarity (15%): effective communication and a clear, well-structured argument
4. Writing (15%): sound grammar, sentence construction, spelling and word choice
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