History

Objective:

The objective of this assignment is to provide students with the opportunity to explore history from views and perspectives not contained solely from the course text. This assignment requires students to select a work from history, non-fiction in nature, which addresses an aspect(s) of American military experience that is of interest to them. The formal paper should address the following:

· A summary of the book to include the author’s objective and purpose in writing;

· An analysis of the book; and

· An analysis of how the topic(s) addressed in the book fit into a larger historical context.

Rubric:

Students will be graded in the areas described below. The final paper should be no less than five (5) pages in length and should be typed using the standard format as outlined in the course syllabus (i.e. twelve-point font, Times New Roman, one-inch margins, double-spaced). This assignment will count for 25% (25 points) of the student’s overall grade for the semester.

· Focus, Organization, Support, and Elaboration (10%) – Students present a paper that is clear and purposeful and that follows a logical progression, making connections between and among paragraphs. Additionally, students present specific and relevant details of the book.

· Style and Conventions (5%) – Students present a paper that uses language appropriate to formal writing and for a particular audience. Moreover, students use language via well-constructed sentences with the proper use of language mechanics and grammar.

· Summary of text (5%) – Students present a summation of the text using their own words and not simply reciting the book (i.e. overutilization of quotations). Students need to be clear in their articulation of the author(s)’ purpose(s) in writing the book while also demonstrating their understanding of the book itself.

· Analysis of the book and Historical Context (5%) – Students present a complete and thorough analysis of the book chosen; this is different than a summary. By definition, analysis is a critical examination/assessment used to break down and separate parts and elements of the book. Additionally, students present an analysis of how the topic fits into a larger historical context, meaning that students demonstrate their understanding of the impact that a given topic(s) had on United States History. Students should use their knowledge from United States History to aid in the writing of this portion of the paper.