History Question

For this assignment, students are required to write a 6-7 page review essay that critically evaluates one secondary historical source. Students may select a secondary historical source from the provided materials on D2L. The objective of this assignment is for 1) students to read and write about a complex, fully developed historical argument and, 2) critically assess a scholarly historical text. Essays (in no particular order) should answer all of the following questions: • What kind of text is it? (journal article, book chapter, etc.) • What is the author’s main argument? • Who seems to be the intended audience? • How is the text structured? (number of pages, inclusion of subheadings, photos, tables, etc.) • How clear is the author’s language/style/expression? • What kinds of primary and secondary does the text offer in support of its argument? Which sources do you think are the most and least effective? Why? • Does the author engage other writers’ works on the same subject? If so, how does the author position his/her argument in relation to the other scholarly texts it references? • Do you find the author’s argument persuasive? Why or why not? • What is your overall assessment of the text? Citations Cite the text whenever you use specific references or examples. History majors who have completed their core courses should use Chicago Style for their citations. Non-history majors and history majors who have not completed their core courses may use a parenthetical citation with the author, followed by a comma and the page number. For example: – (Gaines, 23) Format: Papers must be a) double-spaced b) submitted in Times New Roman 12-point font c) have 1-inch margins at the top, bottom, and side d) include page numbers. ****Papers that are not at least 6 full pages and/or are not formatted according to the guidelines will lose points.