How does [Author, Article Title] engage the political, economic, cultural, or social aspects of the time/event in question? Moreover, how do they seek to contribute to/challenge traditional historical narratives?

The works of secondary article writers provide analytical depth to respective historical periods and events. The ideological, emotional, economic, political, ethical and social constructs that inform rhetorical writers offer insight into the varied lenses that create the “history” we learn from. Rhetorical writing presents arguments aimed at readers from varying walks of life, backgrounds, cognitive make-ups, and ideals using personal interpretation that seeks to convince audiences to consider a different viewpoint. Although articles may also be reflective of the places and times they were produced, many strive to found new narratives.

For this assignment, you will choose one of five articles already assigned in our course readings. Your choices are:
“Energy, Property, and the Industrial Revolution Narrative” by Stefania Barca

While considering the historical context that your article provides commentary on, I want you to write a paper that considers the following question:
How does [Author, Article Title] engage the political, economic, cultural, or social aspects of the time/event in question? Moreover, how do they seek to contribute to/challenge traditional historical narratives?
Helpful Steps:
*Identify the author’s goals within the document/work and be able to summarize his/her points.
*Look for the author’s ‘voice’ within the work and juxtapose it upon their stated goals or intentions.
*Finally, form your own analysis of the article to answer the thesis question.

Your essay must be thesis-driven. In other words, you will take a position regarding the source and its aims. The thesis must be clear, concise, and defensible while answering the above bolded question. Most theses appear near the beginning of papers (after the introduction) so that the writer can spend the body of his/her work evidencing his/her position. It should also be related back to at times and most certainly reiterated in the conclusion to cement the writer’s stance.

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