Part 1:
Format-For your Midterm, you will choose two questions (one from each set) and respond to them in two separate extended essays. These are to be written up in either Word or a similar word processing program. In terms of setup, they are to be double-spaced, with 12 point font, and standard 1.25 inch margins. While I cannot tell you exactly how long the essays need to be, most essays of this sort run in the 3-4 pages range each, for a total of 6-8 pages on both essays.
While I don't take off for minor errors, I expect you to proofread your work. Something that is so poorly written I cannot easily understand it will likely see a lower grade. I suggest reading it out loud to yourself (I do this sometimes) to catch any errors.
Sources and Citation-To respond to these essays, you are not required to use any sources beyond your textbook, your class notes, and the short written assignment primary sources. If you take a direct quote from any of these, you are required to cite it in MLA form, meaning parenthetical citation. An example would be as follows; when you cite your text, cite it (Foner, 645). Lectures can be sited by the topic or date. A bibliography is only needed if you use outside sources. Wikipedia and other junk sites on the internet are not legitimate sources.
Remember the dancing bears in Prague!
One major note here; I will not tolerate plagiarism (i.e. cheating) in any form. I have several programs that I run your papers through to spot it, and I will go full-on Professor Snape on anyone who cheats; meaning I will fail you on the Midterm which means you will fail the course.DON'T CHEAT! If you're not sure, ask me.
Writing a History Essay-Each of these essay questions requires you to formulate an argument or a statement about how a set of issues should be understood. Try to start your answer with a thesis paragraph, summarizing your argument or understanding. Then develop your argument in the body of the essay moving through the different aspects of the issue and providing supportive information to back up your statements. The supporting information will ideally include both facts that you have learned in lecture and readings and also some references to those sources.
COMMON MISTAKES
1) Narrating history-Don't fall into the trap of trying to narrate the history of the Columbian Exchange or the American Revolution or any of the issues raised in these questions. You don't have time to retell the whole sequence of events and it would not be appropriate in any case. Instead present your understanding of the issue in the form of an argument.
2) My opinion-Don't tell us how you "feel" about an issue unless the question specially asks for something like that. What we want to see is an "informed argument," an assessment that is based on the information that is at your disposal. It is permissible to use the phrase "I think" or "in my opinion" but it is important to show that your argument is based upon a knowledge of historical events and processes.
Part 2:
Section I: Choose one of the following two questions for your first essay.
1. Social Contract Theory, the European Enlightenment and Deism had a profound impact on the thinking of American colonists. Thoroughly explain the theories that came out of the above movements, and describe how Americans like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson responded. What were the implications of these philosophies on American thought and society? Be sure to discuss how each expanded the colonists' definitions of liberty and individual rights.
2. To what degree was the American Revolution actually "revolutionary?" Did the Revolution transform social, political, and economic relationships in the young United States, or did it simply preserve the colonial status quo? Be sure to include how the Revolution affected both male and female patriots, African-Americans, Loyalists, and Native Americans.
Section II: Choose one of the following two questions to answer in your second essay.
1. How is U.S. Constitution a product of the United States' political and economic environment in the immediate aftermath of the American Revolution? What specific domestic and ideological anxieties led to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, how were these addressed by the debates of the delegates, and how did the final document attempted to limit the revolutionary "Spirit of ‘76" still active in American politics at the time.
2. Despite the Founding Fathers' stated fears of faction, the United States saw the emergence of the first party system during the 1790s. What caused the formation of the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans as two opposing political parties? How did these two parties reflect the respective personal visions of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson? How did domestic and international events shape their early history? Was such a division inevitable and why?