Description
Assignment Instructions For this assignment, you need to visit the National Archives DOCSTeach site. Historians typically use two types of materials, secondary source, and primary source documents. Secondary sources are typically books and articles written on a particular historical event, well after the fact. Primary source documents are usually generated by first-hand participants. Good historians rely heavily on original materials created at the time of the event. For this reason, historians spend a good deal of time at the archives. There are many types of archives, but by far, the largest in the United States, is the National Archives in Washington, D.C. The National Archives contains more than 10 billion documents, and they have collected thousands of those in the National Archives DOCSTeach site. After you have opened the above link, click on “Menu” on the upper left, and then “Documents.” In the “Keyword” box type in the subject you wish to research. Please remember that your topic should fall within the period of history covered by this course. Typical keywords might be something like Jefferson, American Revolution, Madison, Civil War, Lincoln or any number of topics. After your images have appeared, you need to select five (5) of the images that are relevant to your topic and use these images in your assignment. NOTE: Actual images, not links or web addresses, are required. This applies to both the paper and the PowerPoint options. In the upper right hand corner, just above your image, there is an icon to save that image. You will also note that below each image there is some information about that document as well as full citation. Note: All images for this assignment must be from the National Archives. There are two ways that you can complete this assignment. Once you have collected your documents/images, you can create a PowerPoint, or use them as evidence for writing a 3-5 page essay. Naturally, you will need some other information, and you can gather that through the internet, or other books and articles. As a precaution, avoid using textbooks. Option 1 – PowerPoint Presentation: To complete the PowerPoint you will need to collect your documents from the site. All documents must be cited, so be certain to note the citation at the bottom of each image. Specific criteria: Must include a minimum of five, cited National Archives images. Presentation must include a narrative that explains the historical significance. There are a few ways to do this, but PowerPoint does have a dialogue box that is available at the bottom of each slide. You can also do this in the slide itself. It is not sufficient to have five slides with an unrelated narrative. Instead, your slides should follow a well-organized argument that begins with a thesis statement on the first slide. Presentation must address a topic from American History prior to 1877. Option 2 – Paper Option Guidance: If you are writing a paper, it must be at least three, full, double-spaced pages of text (Times New Roman, font size 12, 1-inch margins all around), not counting the cover page or bibliography, and you must consult a minimum of two academically credible sources. Your bibliography and citations must be in APA, MLA, or Chicago Style format. Students majoring in history must use Chicago Style format. The paper should include a separate cover page with your name, course number and course title, instructor’s name, and date. Specific criteria: Paper should include a thesis statement, and a narrative and conclusion that defends that argument. Paper must also include a minimum of five, actual cited National Archives images that serve as support for the essay and that are included in the body of the essay, and also referenced and explained why they are appropriate in the body of the essay. Presentation must address a topic from American History prior to 1877. Additional Information: You are allowed to choose your own topic as long as it pertains to the subject of this course. If you have any questions on the subject matter, please contact your professor. This is your opportunity to look a little deeper at a subject that interests you. All information must be cited. You are welcome to use APA, or MLA, but if you are a history major, you are strongly encouraged to us the Chicago Style format. Once completed, you should post a copy of your project in the Assignments section, as well as the (to be opened) Week Four forum reserved for that. The Project is due on Sunday by 11:55 PM, ET. You are also responsible for responding to the submissions of three of your classmates by the following Sunday at 11:55 PM, ET.