History 121 Writing Assignments

In addition to exams and quizzes, students are to submit the following written projects according to the course schedule:

The first thing you should recognize is that in order to do these projects successfully, your reading and writing skills must be at least at the entry level for English 111. That means that you should have completted ESL if you are not a native speaker. If you have not taken English 111, and are not sure about things like documentation, use of sources, etc., be sure to read all instructions carefully, including my Writing Tips. These essays count 45% of your grade—give them their due. Your grade on each essay will depend on the thoughtfulness and imagination with which you discuss the topics. The essays provide ample opportunity for enhancing your grade, and I do give credit for improvement. For that reason you should read my comments carefully and follow any suggestions in your subsequent papers.

Please read the instructions for each project carefully and follow them to the best of your ability. I will return ungraded any essay which does not conform to instructions.

Note: You do not have to do these essays in order, but you should submit one essay by each due date.

OPTIONAL PERSONAL HISTORY ESSAY: Please begin your study of history by emailing or posting in the introduction forum a brief personal history essay. Write about your origins and your family. Where did your parents and grandparents come from? How did they get to this country? How have events in American history affected you and your family? You may want to dig into your family past during the semester, and now is a good time to start. This essay is not graded and is optional, but you are strongly encouraged to do it. For an example see my own personal history statement. Your essay does not have to go as far back nor have as much detail as the sample does. Just write as much as you know or can reasonably find out.

Essay 1: Description. This essay should discuss life in early America in a general way, using original source documents. Suggested topics are offered, but you may choose another if you like. Most important, do not write this essay based on your text or other secondary sources. Use the original sources linked from the assignment sheet or essay instructions, or fiund others origianl documents, hundreds of which can be found on the web. Instructions and suggestions for Essay 1. As an alternative, you may use a site visit as the basis for your essay.

Essay 2: Analysis. This essay should discuss an issue or event during early American history, using original sources. The move for independence, using the Declaration of Independence and comments from the time woukld be one possibility; the Constitution or Bill of rights would be a second; the Women's movement and Seneca Falls Declaration is another possibility. See Instructions and suggestions for Essay 2 for more ideas.

Essay 4: Modified Research Project, to include a report on a related site visit, of about 8-10 pages, 150 points. (Due toward the end of the course. See assignments page.)

This project requires an essay on any topic relevant to History 121, American history 1607-1865, and includes a site visit. You should research the topic and site you plan to visit in advance. Then draft your essay, make your site visit, taking notes on what you observe. After your visit, revise your essay draft based on your visit and any additional research you may need to do. Your research may be “modified” to the extent that you do not have to use sources beyond what is on this web site, though you are encouraged to do so.

Insofar as possible, your essay should be based on original sources, including what you see during your site visit.

Your final paper should include a cover page with your essay title, your name, instructor's name and course number, and the date of completion. You should also include a reference page, including the name of the site you visit, date of visit and a list of resources consulted in proper format. You are encouraged, but not required, to include photos of your site visit or other materials you may have collected. You may incorporate digital images into your paper for submission by email, or you may mail all or part of your paper via U.S. mail. Examples of suggested topics with visit:

Many additional topics are suggested by exhibits at the Smithsonian Institution. If you are traveling or live out of the Virginia area, our country is rich is resources for historic research in libraries, museums, state capitals and other historic sites.

To get 25 points extra credit. Additional site visits to any site dealing with early American history (to 1865.) Submit a brief report, 2-3 pages. Please note on your cover page that it is for extra credit. May not be submitted until all required essays are done.

Please observe the following guidelines for submitting essays:

Include a title page with your name, instructor's name course number and section and date.
Include a header with your last name and page number (which will appear on each page.)
Print essays double spaced on one side of the paper only, leaving 1 inch margins. (Double space everything, including quotations, but do not put an extra space between paragraphs.)
Use standard 10 or 12 pitch type font and format paper according to good practice.
Standard English is required—excessive grammatical errors may affect your grade.
There is no penalty for correct spelling; use a dictionary if you need to. Use computer spell checkers with caution.
Web sites consulted must be identified by the name of the site, author, and URL and date accessed.
If submitting by email, use MS Word, Word Perfect or Rich Text Format (.rtf).
List all documents used at the end of your essay.

IMPORTANT: All rules of attribution, quotation and fair use apply for any sources used.

Indicate author, title and page numbers of written works.
Place all direct quotes in quotation marks.
Students who misuse outside sources may lose all credit for the essays.
Please note that this instruction also applies to sources used or material taken from the Internet. You may in no case use that material as your own, and must always document your sources to the best of your ability.