E. Michael Young                                                         Trinity Valley Community College

History 1301

ASSIGNMENT ONE                                                                                                         

ANALYTIC BOOK REVIEW

Pick one of the following books:

1. Joseph J. Ellis, Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation. This is an entertaining sketch of several of the prominent “Founding Fathers.” Pick four chapters (out of six), and write a brief (one or two substantial paragraphs) summary of each, focusing on what you consider the most significant point. In your introduction, state the thesis of the book, that is, what do all the members of the revolutionary generation have in common.

2. Benjamin Franklin, Autobiography. One of the most famous American autobiographies, Franklin’s memoirs had a tremendous cultural influence for generations. When writing this book, Franklin consciously sought to serve as a model for Americans to emulate. Devote at least one paragraph to the following: Franklins early education and how he first became published, his method of self improvement, the institutions he create to improve his community (like the fire department), the virtues expressed by Poor Richard, and a brief summary of his political or diplomatic achievements.

3. Thomas Paine, Common Sense. Selling 120,000 copies in three months, Paine’s pamphlet swayed public opinion towards independence right before the start of the Revolution. Summarize in detail the four most power arguments Paine made for independence.

4. Frederick Douglas, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas. Published in 1845, Douglas was the most famous black abolitionist and his eloquent and powerful writings changed the minds of many white Americans concerning the institution of slavery and the abilities of African Americans. In your essay, devote at least one paragraph to each of the following: give a brief overall summary, discuss Douglas’s childhood, his violent struggles against slavery, how he escaped, and his efforts after he escaped and how he became a prominent abolitionist.

5. Harriet Beecher Stowe, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Next to the Bible, this novel was the most sold book in America in the 19the century. Stowe came from a prominent Christian, abolitionist family and her book changed the hearts of millions of white Americans concerning the injustice of slavery. In 4 to 5 pages, summarize the stories of Eliza and Uncle Tom, explain why these characters and their stories were so sympathetic to 19^th century white Americans, and also point out some of the racial stereotypes in the book.

These books are available in nearly all libraries, local book stores, or by ordering on the internet. If you buy the book on the internet, order it as soon as possible because shipping can take several days. Abebooks.com is excellent for finding used books at a reasonable price, or try Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com.

Objectives: This paper will provide the student with the opportunity to read an important work of history or a book which had a great historical impact. This assignment will also challenge the student to think critically and analytically and to express his or her thoughts in a clear and cogent manner.

Description: Write a 4 to 5 page paper, typed, double spaced, and in 12 font. Write an introductory and concluding paragraph, and devote at least one paragraph to each question I ask in the assignment handout. The introduction should contain the theme and importance of the book. In the conclusion, express your personal reflections on the book. Each paragraph, except the introduction and conclusion, must contain at least one quote from the book. Use proper footnotes (MLA method), which I will demonstrate in class.

Grades: There are 30 possible points for this assignment.

Due Dates: See Schedule. No late papers will be accepted.

 E. Michael Young                                                                                          U.S. History I

ASSIGNMENT TWO                                                                                                           

CIVIL WAR PRIMARY DOCUMENTS PROJECT

Assignment Rationale: Historians use primary and secondary sources to research and write history. A primary source is a document contemporary to the event one is researching. This can include letters, diary entries, legal documents, newspaper articles, speeches, photographs, or recordings. A secondary source is a book or article, which is the author’s interpretation of primary sources and other secondary material. If you are writing a book, you cannot rely on other people’s interpretations of events, but must have direct contact with your subject so you can develop your own conclusions. This assignment you will provide you with the opportunity to read and interpret several primary documents and develop your own conclusions about certain aspects of the Civil War. 

The Assignment: First, I will pass out the Civil War Primary Source Documents pamphlet, which includes a collection of letters, diary entries, and documents, to the class.  After acquiring the necessary background information on slavery and the events and issues surrounding the Civil War by reading chapters 13 and 14 in the Foner textbook, examine the Civil War primary documents carefully.  As you read the documents pay special attention to such details as Who wrote it, when was it written, why was it written, and where was it written. Beyond these basic facts, try to interpret the document for what is not explicitly stated: what were some of the implicit assumptions of the author, and what can you infer about his or her class, race, religion, educational level, and political views.

Second, write a 3 to 4 page type written paper supporting a thesis. As you read the documents, think about developing an idea on one particular subject. For example, you might want to write about the northern cause, the southern cause, struggles on the home front, women’s roles during the war, gender roles in general, race relations, or religious beliefs. Then, when you write your paper, state a thesis (your conclusion based on your interpretation of the documents) and support it with a minimum of three paragraphs containing quotes from at least three different documents. I will distribute to the class a paper written in a previous class to serve as an example. 

Due Date: See Schedule. No late papers will be accepted.