For this assignment, students are required to write a full 6 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. 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.
******* This will be submitted to turnitin.com. PLEASE do not cheat.
ALSO: the source i have uploaded below is the text you will be using to write this essay. you will cite this text for
specific references and examples.