History 151 | Spring 2016: 2015-05-10

Friday, May 15, 2015

Final Exam

Choose one of the following questions to answer in a 5-part (introduction, at least three supporting sections, conclusion) essay:

In what ways did the development of different labor systems (indentured servitude, slavery, apprenticeships, wage labor) affect life in North America from the early 1600s through the 1860s?

The American Revolution and the Civil War were two significant events that irrevocably transformed the nation. To what degree did freedom expand or contract for Americans as a result of these events?

Your essay must include the following:

A clear thesis that presents the argument and outlines the essay
Detailed explanation of examples: who, what, where, when.
Analysis for each example: how this example prove the main argument?
Organized structure: present evidence in chronological order, organize evidence to follow outline of thesis, include strong topic sentences
Reference to a MINIMUM of three sources from the StudySpace site. You may (and should) use more than three sources and you may use the "longer documents" as well as the documents, images and maps from each chapter
Every reference to a source, whether quoted or paraphrased, must include an MLA or Chicago style citation. If you are unfamiliar with the requirements of these styles, you may follow these guidelines for MLA style and these guidelines for Chicago style.
You may refer to the Foner textbook, but you MAY NOT quote directly from the textbook and the textbook WILL NOT COUNT as one of your required sources.
You MAY NOT use any other sources besides the Foner textbook, and StudySpace materials. The use of other sources, even with citations, will result in a failing grade on the exam.

Submission requirements:

Submit your essay to www.turnitin.com

Course ID: 9525664
Password: History

Submit your essay to the assignment for your section, Section 014 (T/Th 11:10-12:25) or Section 008 (T/Th 2:10-3:25)

The submission deadline for Section 014 is Tuesday, May 19, 11 AM
The submission deadline for Section 008 is Tuesday, May 19, 1:30 PM
Late submissions will be reduced by one letter grade.
Essays will not be accepted after 11:59 PM.

The grading rubric is available on turnitin.com, and you may find it valuable to review before submitting your essay. Click on the blocks icon on the assignment page to view the grading rubric.
Grades and comments will be posted on turnitin.com. I will update the course blog when essay grades and final grades are available.

Good luck!

Course Objectives

This is a broad survey course designed to introduce students to basic themes and events in American History, as well as college-level research and study skills. As this is a writing intensive course, students will develop critical writing skills through online discussion, essay writing and document analysis. We will cover material beginning with the Civil War and Reconstruction and extending through the Presidential election of 2000.

By the end of this course students will have experience evaluating historical materials, constructing and supporting an argument, and performing basic research. Students will also work collaboratively in-class and online to discuss material, analyze primary documents and develop note-taking and study skills.

Accessibility

Hunter College complies with the standards set forth in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act to include all policies, procedures, and practices that impact the treatment of students with disabilities. The Office of AccessABILITY helps to ensure a comprehensively accessible college experience for all students with disabilities and helps to promote access and awareness as a resource to all members of the Hunter College community.

“In compliance with the American Disability Act of 1990 (ADA) and with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Hunter College is committed to ensuring educational parity and accommodations for all students with documented disabilities and/or medical conditions. It is recommended that all students with documented disabilities (Emotional, Medical, Physical and/or Learning) consult the Office of AccessABILITY located in Room E1124 to secure necessary academic accommodations. For further information and assistance please call (212-772-4857)/TTY (212-650-3230).” You can also locate them at:

http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/studentservices/access/welcome

Course Learning Outcomes

During this course, students will:

• identify and apply the key historical concepts of change-over-time, cause-and-effect, agency, historical empathy, and continuity and discontinuity, and recognize how these concepts are employed in the historical method

• analyze and interpret primary sources with attention to audience, authorship and context

• recognize some of the ways in which historians have conflicting interpretations of the past

• produce a paper with a clear thesis and appropriate citations based on strong evidence drawn from historical sources

• identify and discuss the importance of contact and conquest, colonial foundations, revolution and Constitution, immigration, geographic expansion, experiences of native peoples, role of women, slavery and African American experiences and the sectional crisis leading to the Civil War