GELO Assignment
Learning objectives:
Develop historical thinking skills.
Interpret sources.
Strengthen organization and communication skills.
Assignment Directions:
Write a 2-page, double spaced essay that is based on the 2-3 primary sources available within the primary source sets. (See the list of topics below. The primary source sets are available within the Module 6 Study Activities folder.) Analyze the sources within the context of time and place. Create a strong thesis statement, and then support the thesis using at least 2 of the 3 sources. Be sure that background, secondary information, is only used to understand the meaning of the primary sources. The evidence used to support the thesis must come from the primary sources (the source itself). Do not use outside sources. The purpose of this assignment is to demonstrate your analysis of the primary sources.
Steps:
Read and analyze the sources.
Be sure to include a thesis statement at the end of the first paragraph, and then support the thesis with explanation and evidence in supporting paragraphs. The essay must be based on the primary sources.
Intro – Provide an intro to the sources (historical context of…). Thesis statement should appear at the end of the introductory paragraph.
Supporting paragraphs: One paragraph = one point
Recommendation: focus on one source per paragraph. Be sure to explain how your analysis (explanation and evidence) support your thesis.
Be specific rather than vague. Who did or said what, when, where, how, why?
Submit typed essay, saved in Word or as a PDF through appropriate dropbox by the due date. (GELO assignments submitted in the Comments section or saved as an online document such as Google docs or Pages will not earn points because they cannot be graded.)
Late submissions: 10 points deducted per day.
Topics (See primary source sets for the following topics). Be sure to base your GELO essay on at least two primary sources from the primary source sets within this module. Do not use outside sources.
Option 1:
U.S. Policy on the Removal of Native Americans
Option 2:
The Texas Revolution & Slavery
Option 3:
Tariff of 1828, Slavery, & the Cause of the Civil War?