FIRST HALF PORTFOLIO: US HISTORY THROUGH 1877
The HIS 231 first half portfolio should include the following components:
Monument Assignment 70%
2 Discussion Topics 20%
1 Web-Site Review 10%
Bonus Mini-Essays 3% (x1 or x2)
a) Monument Assignment
Recommended Length: 10-25 pages
Recommended Number Of Sites: 6+
The Monument Assignment is the only large project in the first half of the semester. It is designed both to introduce you to the broad sweep of American History and to encourage you to analyze the ways in which Americans have constructed and interpreted their past. Use the provided template or write your own mini-essays that highlight a number of the designated sites. Try to find a minimum of three web-sites for each term chosen, and search also for possible controversies involving the different meanings that people give to the past.
b) Discussion Topics
Recommended Length: 2 pages apiece
Pick two of the first-half Discussion Topics and offer a well-integrated review that combines a basic overview with your own analysis and interpretation. How would you outline the basic history involved? Is there a dominant theme that can be used to connect the readings? Are there issues that you would highlight?
c) Web-Site Review
Recommended Length: 2 pages
An extensive series of Useful Links is included on the course web-site. Do some browsing and find a detailed web-site that is deserving of a 30+ minute visit. Complete the template that can be accessed through the Assignment Section of the course web-site.
d) Bonus Option
Recommended Length: 2 pages apiece
Students are encouraged to complete up to two extra mini-essays. These can Discussion Topics commentaries or Web-Site Review. Critical reading responses to in-class articles or listening responses to on-line audio documentaries are also appropriate forms here. The bonus essays will be graded and add up to 3% apiece to your First Half Portfolio Grade.