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Quizzes
Short Papers
Extra Credit
Midterms
Final Paper
Quizzes
There will be four quizzes, and all will be based on the
bold terms in lectures and on the readings. Click here to see some examples of what
the quiz questions will look like.
Short Papers
The short papers are due on Monday, October 26 and Monday,
November 9. You have three choices for each short essay; select
ONE. Your short papers should be at least 500 words in
length (they can be longer, if you wish) and should have
your name at the top (no cover page). Beyond that, there are
no other formatting guidelines. Make certain that your
work is your own. I am willing to review drafts; you can
come to my office or you can email me. The deadline for
drafts is Saturday at 11:59 p.m. the weekend directly before the
paper is due.
Farewell to Manzanar: This book is the
story of a Japanese-American girl's experiences during and
after her family's internment in a World War II internment
camp. I assigned the book because it helps give some depth
to the story of World War II. Having won that war, we tend
to look back on it as a time of great national unity. But as
this book, and my lectures, will try to indicate, the real
story is much more complex.
Topic 1: Besides Jeanne, which character in this book helps us learn the most
about the past? What important things about American history does that character
help us learn (discuss at least three)?
Here are examples of excellent responses to this paper topic:
• Example 1
• Example 2
• Example 3
Topic 2: A student of history must always evaluate the reliability of their
sources. So, is Jeanne a reliable source? Why or why not? Support your
discussion by addressing at least three specific incidents from the book.
Here are examples of excellent responses to this paper topic:
• Example 1
• Example 2
Topic 3: There are many references to food and eating in this book. What does
food represent for Jeanne (it may be one thing, or several)? Discuss at
least three specific references to food from the book.
Here are examples of excellent responses to this paper topic:
• Example 1
• Example 2
• Example 3
• Example 4
Fast Food Nation: This is a recent
bestseller that examines the rise and influence of the fast
food industry. The selection you will read largely covers
the early years of the fast food industry. I have assigned
this book because it serves as an excellent illustration of
the rise of consumer culture. In short, after World War II,
an abundance of money changed the American economy virtually
overnight, with many consequences--some good, some not so
good. I will address this in my lecture on the rise of
consumer culture, and the book gives you a good introduction
to the issue.
Topic 1: A student of history should always look for the "argument" or point
that an author is making. So, what is Schlosser's argument--what message is he
trying to communicate? What strategies or tactics does he use, as an author, to
persuade you?
Topic 2: One historian has asserted that the rise of fast food is the single
most important event or development in U.S. history in the years between 1900
and 1960. Do you agree? Why or why not?
Topic 3: Take a look at McDonalds'
website. Based on what you read in the book, what do
you think would Schlosser say about this website? Make
sure to talk about three different
points/comments/complaints he might make.
Extra Credit
From about 1945 through 1991, during the time we call the Cold War, Americans
were very fearful of communism. This resulted in the creation of many, many
movies, and songs, and posters, and cards, and other things devoted to this
issue. We will be discussing these songs and movies and posters and so forth in
class. I would like you to find an example of a Cold War
poster/painting/song/poem/movie/whatever that you think would be interesting to
discuss in class, and then submit it, along with 150 words that explains why you
found it interesting. This assignment will be worth as much as five points, and
will be due on October 19.
Midterms
Click here to see your first midterm.
Click here to see examples of midterm answers written by me, with commentary.
Click here to see the midterm from last quarter. Yours will be identical in format to this one.
Here are examples of good responses to this midterm:
• The White Man's Burden
• The White Man's Burden
• Over the Top
• Over the Top
• McKinley Poster
• Suffrage March
• Bonus Expeditionary Army
• Iwo Jima
• Iwo Jima
Final Paper
The final paper will be due via email on Thursday, December 10, at
11:59 p.m.; I am willing to review drafts as long as I get
them by Tuesday, December 8 at 11:59 p.m.
Click here to view the final paper
topics as a Word document, or here
to view them as a PDF.
Click here to view examples of
good responses to the various final paper topics.
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