• This essay should be 3-5 pages, double-spaced, in 11-point Times New Roman Font and standard Word margins.
• DO NOT include a HEADER OR YOUR NAME AT THE TOP (no date etc. – the magic of the internet will tell me your name and when you submitted your essay).
• Do NOT include a cover page.
• DO INCLUDE a works cited page.
• DO INCLUDE a footer with page numbers.
• DO INCLUDE a title. Give your essay a pithy title. [1]

Essay Question

How has American exceptionalism influenced the ways in which Americans remember the history of the Colonial Era? Do you think this influence is beneficial?  Why or why not?

Content Requirements:

1. Your essay must include at least three specific pieces of information, including specifics from the different weeks of class.
2. Your essay must use and cite both A Patriot’s History of the United States and A People’s History of the United States at least once (probably more than once).
3. Your essay must use and cite at least one other reading or video from our class (see course page).
4. You may not use outside sources of information for this paper.

Citing.  In-text citations of books must include the specific information noted in the Course Map and Start Here under “Materials Needed for this Course and Citing Them.”

Use MLA style, or any other academic style (Chicago, APA, etc.).  Whatever style you use, use it correctly and consistently.  Include a works cited at the end of your essay.  The Purdue OWL is an invaluable website to help with crafting proper citations.  Here is the link for the MLA information: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

I know this is a lot of information to cite; when in doubt include more information, not less, and just do your best!

Works Cited Page.  Your essay must include a works cited page with a full citation for each source.

• For the books and articles, use proper Chicago, MLA, APA, or other style – see instructions under “Materials Needed for this Course and Citing Them.”
• For all other sources, use the instructions I have provided in the Journal Instructions. To the extent possible, use formatting consistent with Chicago, MLA, APA, or other style you have chosen.

In-text citations. You must also give a short in-text citation whenever you cite each source.  You MUST cite whenever you:

• mention a fact or piece of information drawn from a source.
• quote a source.
• summarize an idea or anything else from a sort.

 In short, you must cite everything that is not your own idea. Here are some examples from Week 2:

• The introduction to wikipedia’s entry on American exceptionalism (“American exceptionalism,” Wikipedia)
• John Winthrop’s sermon, “A Model of Christian Charity” (Winthrop, “A Model of Christian Charity,” 1630).
• You watched the trailer to Newt Gingrich’s movie, “City Upon a Hill” (Knoblock)[2]
• A radically leftist take on the same concept (Docksey) .

You will be graded on the following criteria.  PLEASE READ THIS LIST CAREFULLY AS IT CONTAINS MY EXPECTATIONS FOR A GOOD PAPER. 

Grading Criteria/Rubric.  You will be graded on the following criteria:

Rubric Category: Argument and Structure

Argument:  Does the paper contain and prove an argument (a.k.a. thesis)?

Structure. – Paper: Does the paper contain an introduction, body, and conclusion?

Introduction: Does the introduction introduce the topic and its significance?  Is the argument clearly stated in the introduction?  Does the introduction provide a “road map” for the paper?

Structure – Body Paragraphs:  Does each paragraph begin with an effective topic sentence that states what the paragraph will do and how the paragraph will prove the paper’s argument? Does each paragraph then do that?

__________________________________________________________________________________

Rubric Category: Evidence

Evidence Types – Does the paper use sufficient evidence (see specific criteria in assignment)?  Does paper use a diversity of different types of evidence (see specific criteria in assignment)? 

Evidence Use – Is evidence analytical in nature instead of being presented merely for factual information? Does paper demonstrate analysis of primary and secondary sources? Does the evidence actually demonstrate the assertion(s) made?

Citations – Is evidence properly cited (see assignment criteria)? 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Rubric Category: Reasoning and Historical Thinking

Reasoning – Is reasoning clear and effective? 

Chronology – Does the paper pay attention to chronology?

Historical – Does the paper demonstrate effective historical thinking?  Does it contain specific examples that help prove the assertion at hand?

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Rubric Category: Academic Writing

Conventions – Are proper conventions (good grammar, spelling, etc.) utilized?

Syntax  – Is syntax (word choice) appropriate for a formal academic paper?

[1] Pithy means “concise and forcefully expressive.”

[2] A perusal of the website reveals that Kevin Knoblock directed this film.

Rubric

R.A.S.H.: Rubric of Achievement in Studying HistoryR.A.S.H.: Rubric of Achievement in Studying HistoryCriteriaRatingsPtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeArgument and StructureArgument: Does the paper contain and prove an argument (a.k.a. thesis)? Structure. – Paper: Does the paper contain an introduction, body, and conclusion? Introduction: Does the introduction introduce the topic and its significance? Is the argument clearly stated in the introduction? Does the introduction provide a “road map” for the paper? Structure – Body Paragraphs: Does each paragraph begin with an effective topic sentence that states what the paragraph will do and how the paragraph will prove the paper’s argument? Does each paragraph then do that?40.0 ptsExemplary35.0 ptsGood30.0 ptsSomewhat25.0 ptsInsufficient0.0 ptsNo Marks40.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeEvidenceEvidence Types – Does the paper use sufficient evidence (see specific criteria in assignment)? Does paper use a diversity of different types of evidence (see specific criteria in assignment)? Evidence Use – Is evidence analytical in nature instead of being presented merely for factual information? Does paper demonstrate analysis of primary and secondary sources? Does the evidence actually demonstrate the assertion(s) made? Citations – Is evidence properly cited (see assignment criteria)?40.0 ptsExemplary35.0 ptsGood30.0 ptsSomewhat25.0 ptsInsufficient0.0 ptsNo Marks40.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeReasoning and Historical ThinkingReasoning – Is reasoning clear and effective? Chronology – Does the paper pay attention to chronology? Historical – Does the paper demonstrate effective historical thinking? Does it contain specific examples that help prove the assertion at hand40.0 ptsExemplary35.0 ptsGood30.0 ptsSomewhat25.0 ptsInsufficient0.0 ptsNo Marks40.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAcademic WritingConventions – Are proper conventions (good grammar, spelling, etc.) utilized? Syntax – Is syntax (word choice) appropriate for a formal academic paper?25.0 ptsExemplary21.0 ptsGood17.0 ptsSomewhat13.0 ptsInsufficient0.0 ptsNo Marks25.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSFU Gen Ed“Evaluate the significance of historical events and documents within the United States and worldwide.”5.0 ptsExceeds Expectations3.0 ptsMeets Expectations0.0 ptsDoes not meet expectations5.0 pts
Total Points: 150.0PreviousNext