History Paper Due on 14 FEB
American History Since 1776 Research Paper. Rubric, Topics, and writing instructions supplied
A Short Paper Assignment allows you to demonstrate your research skills to your instructor and to receive feedback that will benefit you as you continue your studies. With this assignment, you will learn how to do proper and adequate research and write a short paper.
Any topic related to the time period covered in the course is acceptable. If you have questions about potential topics, contact me.
This short paper is at least three double-spaced pages of text (Times New Roman, font size 12) and you must consult a minimum of two academically credible sources. Bibliographies and citations will be in an acceptable style format, either MLA, APA, or Chicago..
The short paper needs to be turned in through the assignment section for grading. If you use any of the information from your sources word-for-word, you must cite the source by using endnotes or footnotes. If you read the information and write it in your own words and it is not common knowledge, then you must cite the source because you are paraphrasing someone’s information.
The short paper must include a cover page with your name, course number and course title, instructor’s name, and date. You must also include a bibliography at the end of your paper. While composing your paper, use proper English. Do not use abbreviations, contractions, passive voice, or first/ second person (I, you, we, our, etc). Before submitting your paper, check your grammar and use spell check. Remember, the way you talk is not the way you write a paper. Please label your paper as follows: lastnamefirstnameHIST102ShortPaper.
BasicGrading Criteria for General Education and (Lower Level) Written Assignments in History
1
2
3
4
Indicate the points and explanation of how the grade was determined
10
0 pts. or %
Unsatisfactory
(D+ or below)
Satisfactory
(C- to C+)
Good
(B- to B+)
Excellent
(A- to A)
Format and Submission:
Paper submission is correctly formatted according to syllabus and assignment instructions on length and word count
Paper formatted with numerous errors and guidelines not followed; no title page; paper saved with incorrect file name. Length and word count not met
(0 – 6.9 points)
Paper formatted with 3 or more errors; title page missing is two or more required elements; paper saved using incorrect filename. Length and/or word count not met
(7.0 – 7.9 points)
Paper and title page formatted correctly with fewer than 3 errors; saved and submitted with correct filename. Length and word count met
(8.0 – 8.9 points)
Paper and title page are correctly formatted with no errors; saved and submitted with correct filename. Length and word count met.
(9 – 10 points)
Introduction and Thesis Statement:
Topic selection and thesis offer clear argument and analysis appropriate for an academic paper
Topic is considerably too large /narrow for paper length and/or marginally related to the course; no discernible thesis or argument; many logical and factual errors; significant problems with understanding of historical content.
(0 – 13.9 points)
Topic is considerably too large /narrow for paper length and/ or marginally related to the course; thesis or argument is not clear; some logical and historical errors; paper organized more toward chronology than analysis and argument.
(14 – 15.9 points)
Topic is appropriate but too large /narrow for paper length; thesis is clear and argument is supported by facts in most paragraphs; historical context and causality are logically presented in the analysis.
(16 – 17.9 points)
Topic is appropriate for paper length; thesis is focused and argument is fully supported by carefully chosen and weighed facts in each paragraph; evidence of comprehension of historical context and causality.
(18 –
20
points)
Organization and Body of Essay:
Organization of the paper ( introductory, supporting, concluding paragraphs) designed to present factual material logically and clearly to the reader
The paper is not logically organized in paragraphs; ideas fail to make sense and the reader cannot identify a line of reasoning and loses interest; little evidence of coherent organization and use of factual material.
(0 – 17.4 points)
The paper appears to be logically organized, but ideas fail to make sense in paragraph structure and inadequate coverage; the reader is unclear about what the writer intends due to poor organization and major omissions of factual material.
(17.5 – 19.9 points)
The organization of the paper generally supports the purpose or argument in the introduction, body, and conclusion; ideas are usually logically sequenced so that the reader can follow the line of reasoning and use of factual material.
(20.0 – 22.4 points)
The organization of the paper logically supports the purpose or argument in the introduction, body, and conclusion; ideas are logically sequenced from one paragraph to another and clearly linked to each other; the reader can easily follow the line of reasoning.
(22.5 –
25
points)
Historical Analysis:
Research demonstrates evidence to support thesis statement and argument made and recognition of historical significance
No sources are used for research related to thesis; only textbook and/or encyclopedias used; research is not evident in the argument in paper; use of information provides no support for the argument and displays little evidence of analysis; author appears to have gained little or no knowledge about the topic and significance of events.
(0 – 17.4 points)
One source is used demonstrating research related to thesis; textbooks and/or encyclopedias used; research is not evident in the argument in paper; use of information provides partial support for the argument and displays little evidence of analysis; author appears to have gained some knowledge about the topic and significance of events.
(17.5 – 19.9 points)
Two or more sources used demonstrating research related to thesis; no textbooks or encyclopedias used; research is partly incorporated into the argument in paper; use of information provides reasonable support for the argument and displays evidence of analysis; author gained some knowledge about the topic and significance of events.
(20.0 – 22.4 points)
Two or more sources used demonstrating in-depth research related to thesis; no textbooks or encyclopedias used; research clearly incorporated into the argument in paper; use of information clearly supports the argument and shows, in-depth analysis of a significant topic; author gained new knowledge about the topic and significance of events.
(22.5 – 25 points)
25
Writing Style and Grammar:
Writing and grammar demonstrates effective use of language, and punctuation and spelling
The writing has substantial errors in grammar and style so that the basic ideas are lost; the writing lacks clarity and sentence structure is confusing; errors in spelling are frequent enough to be a major distraction to the reader.
(0 – 6.9 points)
The writing has more than three grammatical and stylistic errors; paper requires additional proofreading, as some errors impede the flow of the reading; sentences are not varied and passive voice is used often. More than three spelling errors.
(7.0 – 7.9 points)
The writing has one to three grammatical and stylistic errors; sentence structure is generally effectively; sentences are varied but awkward at times or passive voice is apparent. No more than three spelling errors
(8.0 – 8.9 points)
The writing is free of grammatical and stylistic errors; sentence structure is used effectively; sentences are varied and precise; prose style is appropriate to the subject. Active voice is apparent. No spelling errors
(9 – 10 points)
10
Use of Citation and Bibliography:
Citations and bibliography credit sources correctly using Chicago/ Turabian or APA or MLA citation rules
Footnotes/endnotes are not used and /or bibliography is not included in paper.
(0 – 6.9 points)
Footnotes/endnotes are cited and bibliography follows the correct rules for citing sources with more than three errors.
(7.0 – 7.9 points)
Footnotes/endnotes are cited and bibliography follows the correct rules for citing sources with one to three errors.
(8.0 – 8.9 points)
Footnotes/endnotes are correctly cited and bibliography follows the correct rules for citing sources.
(9 – 10 points)
10
Checklist for Basic Grading Criteria for General Education and (Lower Level) Written Assignments in History
Format and Submission
· Is your paper formatted in the proper file format (MSWord or docx or .rtf file)?
· Does your paper include a separate cover page that includes assignment name, student name and student number, course name, professor name, date and institution?
· Is your paper formatted with one inch margins and using New Times Roman 12 point font?
· Is your file submitted using last name first name course and assignment? Example: SmithWilliamHIST101ShortPaper).
Introduction and Thesis Statement
· Did you restate question verbatim to be answered before beginning of main essay? You may cut and paste question before introduction.
· Did your essay include an introduction and clear thesis statement at the end of the introduction?
Organization and Body of essay
· Is your essay well-organized with topic sentences and supporting detail that reinforces your thesis?
● Did your essay meet narrative word count requirements? Narrative word count is word count without citation and bibliography.
Historical Analysis
· Did you construct your essay using quality academic sources (specifically book or peer-reviewed sources from our Online Library or other university, governmental, museum, or research websites)?
· Did you include relevant historical support, including historical examples that reinforce your thesis?
· Did you include chronological context in your essay and include important dates or date spans?
Writing Style and Grammar
· Is your essay composed using formal English (no use of slang) and using proper capitalization, grammar and spelling rules?
· Is your essay presented in academic third person (does not use “I”)?
· Did you refrain from using abbreviations and contractions in your analysis (use “do not” instead of “don’t”)?
Use of Citation and Bibliography
· Did you consistently follow the citation and bibliographical requirements of one style manual (Chicago or Turabian, MLA, or APA)? If you are familiar with a style, please use that style consistently throughout your essay. Do not switch between styles. History majors are strongly encouraged to use Chicago or Turabian citation as this is a requirement in upper-level courses.
· Did you cite your sources in the narrative of your essay using parenthetical citation or computer-generated footnote/endnote numbering? Remember citation takes place immediately after each use of direct quote and after paraphrasing of information.
· Did you include a separate bibliography with your essay?
· Is the bibliography alphabetized and includes all relevant information depending on source type? Remember accessed date for online sources.
Topic
The American West: Capital and Labor in the Age of
Enterprise
(1877— 1900)
Learning Objectives
1. Acquire an understanding of the American West and the era of capital, labor and enterprise, focusing on
the impact to American economics and society.
Readings
Read the syllabus and review the folders in the Course Materials section
Links to all of the readings for this course can be found in the weekly lessons
Assignment
Discussion #1
Week 2:
Topic
The Industrial City: Building it, and Living in it
Politics in the Age of Enterprise (1877-1896)
The Progressive Era (1910-14)
Learning Objectives
1. Recognize the changes occurring within new urban cities and the politics that resulted from the massive
and quick industrialization and the connection to the Progressive Reform Movement.
Readings
Links to all of the readings for this course can be found in the weekly lessons
Assignment
Discussion #2
Week 3:
Topic
An Emerging World Power (1877— 1914)
War and the American State (1914—1920)
Learning Objectives
1. Explain the roots of expansionism, the making of the American Empire, and America’s entrance onto the
world stage.
Page: 2 of 8 Date: 4/25/2020 8:17:26 AM
Readings
Links to all of the readings for this course can be found in the weekly lessons
Assignment
Discussion #3: Debate
Discussion #2 Follow—Up
Written Assignment
Week 4:
Topic
Modern Times (1920— 1932)
Redefining Liberalism: The New Deal (1933— 1939)
The World At War (1939— 1945)
Learning Objectives
1. Analyze America in the modern era, with special attention to the business— government partnerships,
American culture and identity, and the economic crash of the Great Depression.
Readings
Links to all of the readings for this course can be found in the weekly lessons
Assignment
Discussion #4
Post Written Assignment #1 in Discussion reserved for that.
Week 5:
Topic
Cold War America (1945— 1960)
The Age of Affluence (1945—1960)
Learning Objectives
1. Evaluate the events that surrounded the Cold War in America, including President Truman and
Eisenhower’s policies, along with America’s economic growth and its effect on society and culture.
Readings
Links to all of the readings for this course can be found in the weekly lessons
Assignment
Discussion #5
Discussion #4 Follow-up
Page: 3 of 8 Date: 4/25/2020 8:17:26 AM
Week 6:
Topic
The Liberal Consensus: Flaming Out (1960-68)
Toward a Conservative America: the 1970s
The Reagan Revolution and the End of the Cold War (1980— 2001)
Learning Objectives
1. Analyze the shift toward conservatism in the United States during the Nixon years, the second battle for
civil rights, and the Reagan Revolution and the Clinton Presidency.
Readings
Links to all of the readings for this course can be found in the weekly lessons
Assignment
Discussion #6 Debate
Discussion #5 Follow—Up
Written Assignment #2
Week 7:
Topic
A Dynamic Economy, but a Divided People (1980— 2000)
Stumbling Into the Twenty—First Century
Learning Objectives
1. Examine and analyze America’s role in the global economy, the advent and usage of new technology, the
issue of culture in twenty—first century America and the reasons for and the aftermath of the war on terror,
including political, economic, and social ramifications.
Readings
Links to all of the readings for this course can be found in the weekly lessons
Assignment
Discussion #7