For this assignment, you will explore an area of your own choosing within the larger framework of gender in nineteenth-century American history. You are required to locate a short primary document, or a part of a longer document, that you will then present in an annotated edition, with an introduction and a concluding brief analysis of the significance of the document.
Your assignment has four components:
I. Select a document. Typically, selected documents or
segments should be 400-2,000 words in length. Possible materials
include:
A library orientation class on April 10 will help you think about how to locate possible materials in a variety of formats and venues, including microfilm, printed volumes, manuscript materials, and Internet transcriptions.
II. Introduce the document. The introduction, typically 300-900 words in length (2-4 pages), will explain the context in which the document was created, and the theme you have chosen the document to illustrate. In order to write your introduction, you will probably want to consult 2-4 high-quality secondary sources.
III. Annotate the document. You must provide notes explaining names, references, abbreviations, that may not be understood by other readers. When in doubt, ask friends whether they think a part of the document requires annotation. Be sure to record where you located the information for your annotations.
IV. Draw a conclusion. The final analysis of your document should briefly present your understanding of the contribution that the document you have chosen makes to a fuller understanding of your topic. It can also suggest directions for further study, or links to other topics. Typically, it will be 300-750 words in length (2-3 pages).
Possibilities for Collaboration
While every student is expected to focus on a particular document,
students may work in "editorial teams" to locate and analyze materials
related to a particular theme relating to race and/or ethnicity, to a kind of
employment, to a specific historical moment, or a social movement.
Prospectus Requirement
You must complete a "Prospectus for Primary Document
Assignment" (see attached) before the library session on April 10. You
may wish to revise and resubmit your prospectus after the library session,
but no later than April 19. The prospectus is intended to help you shape
your project and pace your work.
For More Information
Please come see me during my regular office hours, usually
Wednesdays 2-3:30 and Thursdays 2-4. Please note that I will not be
available during the week April 22-29, so try to avoid last-minute
consultations. You may wish to see the results of student projects with a
somewhat similar assignment that have been posted at the website
"Women and Social Movements in the United States, 1820-1940," http://womhist.binghamton.e
du.
About Grading
This project will account for approximately 30% of your final grade.
Grading will take into account your ability to portray the document as
significant and interesting, as well as the quality of your introduction, your
annotations, and your analysis.
| April 3: | Introduction of project, prospectus assignment |
| April 10: | Prospectus due; Library session |
| April 19: | Revised prospectus due (optional but encouraged) |
| May 3: | Assignment due |
Determination of your final grade will include consideration of the following: |
|
10% |
| 15% |
| 30% |
| 25% |
| 20% |