ability to write an argumentative essay. The assignment itself is straightforward. Each
chapter of Wiesner, et. al., Discovering the Western Past is organized around a specific
question (in some cases two specific questions). The question always appears near the
end of the section entitled “The Problem.” For example, the specific question for
chapter one, “A Day in the Life of the French Revolution,” is found near the bottom of
page 113:
Your task in this chapter is to answer basic questions about the crowd. Why were the
people of Paris angry in mid-1789? How were Parisians mobilized for action? Who
made up the crowd that stormed the Bastille?
Your task for is to answer the question (or questions) for ONE chapter by writing a short argumentative essay, five to six pages (typed, double-spaced) in length.
1) an introductory paragraph complete with a clear thesis that answers the question (or questions) posed by the chapter,
2) several supporting paragraphs that use evidence from the chapter’s sources to support your thesis, and
3) a concise concluding paragraph. Because these are not research papers, you are limited to the numbered primary sources contained each chapter when writing each essay. (In other words, you are permitted to use NO other sources, either electronic or printed, to complete these papers.)
Please note, too, that that while you may draw sparingly from the secondary information in each chapter (i.e. the sections “Background,” “the Method,” “Questions to Consider,” and “Epilogue”), the bulk of your argument must be based on the primary sources. We will discuss the difference between the two types of sources, but ultimately it is your responsibility to ensure you do this.
Technical and Stylistic Requirements.
Please take note of the following technical and stylistic requirements.
First, as noted above your paper must include a clear introductory paragraph, several supporting paragraphs that use evidence from the documents to support your argument, and a concise concluding paragraph.
Second, the paper should be five pages in length, typed and double-spaced, in Times New Roman 12 point font.
Third, you should use one-inch margins and NOT skip a line between paragraphs.
Fourth, please remember that this is a formal writing assignment. As such, I expect you to follow commonly accepted rules for academic writing. (At the very least you should ensure your paper does not contain any of the errors listed in “Dr. Nick’s Survival Guide for Writing College-Level Argumentative Papers (in History),” available via the Portal.)
Fifth, papers with an excessive number (more than three) of spelling, grammatical, or stylistic errors will be penalized between from three to ten points!
Sixth, you should cite direct quotations and references to specific primary sources with the page number from the reader using Chicago-style notation. (The writing guide contains a brief overview of Chicago-style notation.) If you are in doubt about when, what, or how to cite, please speak to me.
Remember, it is YOUR responsibility to ensure your paper meets the standards set forth in the Florida Southern College honor code.
Finally, because this is not a research paper, you are limited to the sources in relevant section of Discovering the Western Past. NO other sources, either electronic or printed, are permitted. Using other sources will result in a FAILING grade.
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