Like the second short analysis essay, this third assignment is aimed at developing your ability to analyze and think critically about primary sources and what makes these documents particularly valuable and significant to scholars and students of American history. It also is designed to hone your ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing.
Carefully read all four of the assigned primary source documents from Chapter (“An Empire in the West”) of the For the Record text. Then select ONE of the documents, and analyze it in a 650- 750-word essay (approximately 2 pages). You may use the “Review Questions” at the end of each document to help focus and guide your ideas; your analysis, however, should not consist of 4 or 5 mini-essays in direct response to each of these questions. Strive instead to develop a thoughtful interpretation of your document’s historical context, significance, and contribution to our knowledge and understanding of the American past.
You will be assessed based on your quality of thought, analysis, and written expression. Your analysis accordingly should be in proper essay form (i.e., brief introduction with a thesis, body paragraphs, conclusion, topic sentences, transitions, etc.). Proper grammar and spelling also is expected. Analyses that are not edited carefully and are submitted with multiple errors will be marked down. A works cited page is not necessary; but parenthetical citations (e.g., Shi and Mayer, 170) should be used when quoting or paraphrasing any ideas that are not uniquely your own.
Analyses should be typed and given an original title. Your document should have one-inch margins, should be paginated (i.e., have page numbers) and double spaced, and should be written in 12-point, Times New Roman font. Please type your UTC ID in the top right corner of each page, and do not put your name on the essay. This will enable the instructor to evaluate students’ performances anonymously and thus more objectively and fairly.