History 7B

Glossary 1: due March 16

Glossary 2: due May 11

At the beginning of each class, I will post a list of "key terms." These terms are meant to help guide you through the lecture and provide you with focal points for your studies.

For each Glossary assignment you will choose 10 key terms. (For Glossary 1, choose 10 terms from lectures through March 9; for Glossary 2, choose 10 terms from March 16 through May 4.) For each term, you must write a clear and concise definition and explain how the term is significant to American history. You should be able to do this in no more than 3 or 4 sentences for each. No email submissions.

Social Darwinism Paper

25 points

Due February 23

Develop a character that lived during the Gilded Age (1870-1900). While imagining life through the eyes of this person, write a speech in his or her voice that either defends or refutes the notion of Social Darwinism––that is, the theory that class and racial inequalities exist because some members of society are naturally superior, while others are weak and less “fit” to survive.

Your essay should be between 2 and 3 pages typed (12pt font, double-spaced). You’ll be graded equally on content and style. For a full description of assignment guidelines, see the class handout. No email submissions.

Outline Worksheet for Final Paper

25 points

Due April 13

To help you prepare to write your final paper, you will compose a detailed outline. It must include a thesis statement, at least three supporting points with corresponding quotes or other information, ideas for your introduction, and concluding notes. This is the one assignment I will accept hand-written; you may write directly on the Outline Worksheet provided with your Final Paper handout. For those of you taking English 101, please attach feedback from that instructor. No email submissions.

In-Class Participation

50 points

You are expected to come to class having completed all of the week’s assigned reading. Simple attendance does not fulfill the class participation requirement. Be prepared to speak up in class, ask questions, support and encourage your classmates, and work to keep things engaging. There will be times when I will lecture, but we will spend a great deal of time in discussion as a group, sharing perspectives and learning from one another. Remember, participation is worth a full 50 points.

Remember to always make the effort to conduct yourself in a professional manner. Debate is encouraged, but disrespect will not be tolerated. Communicate your views in a thoughtful manner and strive to be open-minded and charitable, rather than rigid and dismissive.

If you have any concerns about your ability to contribute, if you tend to be shy (like me), or if, for any reason and at any point in the semester, you find yourself uncomfortable communicating your views, please let me know so we can talk outside of class.

Midterm Exam

50 points

March 23, in class

The midterm will cover all material through the New Deal. There will be three sections: one long essay, one short essay, and key term identifications. Essay questions will be based on "focus questions" offered during each lecture, and identifications will be drawn from "key term" lists also posted during class. For a point breakdown, see the Midterm Grading Rubric.

A midterm review held in class will help you prepare. In addition, I strongly recommend forming study groups for this and the final exam. You'll find this kind of support and camaraderie invaluable.

Please remember to bring an exam booklet (available for a small fee in the BCC Student Bookstore) and a blue or black pen. Notes of any kind will not be allowed.

Final Paper

100 points

Due May 4

Using both our class text, Farewell to Manzanar, and the Densho Project oral histories , you will write a clear, well-organized, 3 - 5 page analytical essay that considers at least one of the following questions:

1. How did Japanese Americans experience discrimination prior to World War II?
2. In what ways did Japanese Americans cope with discrimination during the war years?
3. What is the legacy of Japanese internment during World War II for Japanese in America?

In addressing these questions, be sure you have a clear and compelling thesis statement. Your goal for this assignment is to make a strong argument, drawing upon material from the Farewell memoir and the online oral histories to support the points you are trying to make. Have at least three points to develop, and support them with details and quotes. Be sure to cite your sources, spell-check and proofread your work, and follow each of the paper requirements listed in the Final Paper handout. You may want to refer regularly to the resources page for writing tips and useful links.

The content, organization, and presentation of your paper will be graded equally. No email submissions.

Final Exam

100 points

May 25, in class

The final exam is comprehensive, meaning it will cover all material throughout the course. Like the midterm, there will be three sections: one long essay, one short essay, and key term identifications. Essay questions will be based on "focus questions" offered during each lecture, and identifications will be drawn from "key term" lists also posted during class. For a point breakdown, see the Final Grading Rubric.

A final review held in class will help you prepare. Again, I strongly recommend forming study groups.

Please remember to bring an exam booklet (available for a small fee in the BCC Student Bookstore) and a blue or black pen. Notes of any kind will not be allowed.