Final Essay Prompt for AMH 2010: America has meant a lot of different things throughout its time—it has been a collection of colonies, a beacon for revolution, a space for slavery and freedom to reign, and a battle ground between brothers and sisters. The understandings of freedom and democracy have been as varied as the meaning of America for different groups. Choosing any group of people related to the history of America before 1877, describe how that group would have defined the “freedom” and what their experience might have been like in 1500-1600 words. Explain how your group of people impacted and were impacted be changing definitions of freedom and democracy in America by using at least two primary and three secondary sources. Remember to consider the time period you are working in, and the wider events that are occurring. Note that you are not writing as though you are that group of people, but instead writing about how that of people impacted and was impacted by America before 1877. The completed essay should include an introduction, a thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a clear conclusion. You may include in this essay anything presented during the class discussions, if applicable. However, students are advised not to simply ‘note-dump’ and instead keep their material focused on the scholarly sources they have chosen to examine. Source Usage Requirements and Recommendations: Your primary sources may come from class material, the American YAWP, or any other reputable source. You are required to have at least two primary sources. Your secondary sources should come from a scholarly work (either an academic journal article or a book published by an academic press). You are required to have at least two secondary sources. All quotes and materials taken from outside sources or course readings must be properly cited. Information from the lectures does not require citation. Formatting and Submission Requirements: All papers must: 1. Be between 1500 and 1600 words. 2. Be written in Times New Roman – 12 pt. font 3. Contain 1” margins 4. Be double-spaced 5. Have your name, word count, date of submission, and the title of the paper at the top of the first page 6. Follow standard English grammatical and spelling structure. Students should avoid contractions, abbreviations, slang, passive voice, fragments, run-on sentences, typing errors, punctuation mistakes, and rhetorical questions. 7. Properly cite the academic sources you are using 8. Be submitted by the due date 9. Be submitted electronically to the Turnitin link on Canvas Students are highly encouraged to read the rubric as well as to meet with me during office hours if you have any questions or concerns regarding this paper. You may also reach out if you are having trouble finding sources or need help developing a thesis for your work. I am willing to look at and discuss a rough publish for this assignment, but students who wish to take advantage of this must email me and set up an office hours appointment at least one week prior to the submission due date. Rubric: FINAL PAPER (100 pts) (Excellent) (Good) (Fair) (Poor) Thesis/ Introduction Presents a clearly defined central idea or thesis. Introduction expertly lays out plan for paper. Thesis is clear. Introduction clearly outlines topic and roadmap for paper. Thesis is vague. Introduction could use some work. Thesis cannot be found or does not make sense. Introduction does not help to lay out design of paper. /25 Content Paper discusses historical significance and relates to material in course. Paper discusses historical significance and relates to material in course. Paper touches on historical significance, but many have some errors. One or more components of the paper are missing. /25 Research Excellent critical use of evidence to support thesis/ idea. Provides adequate support for that idea Good critical use of evidence to support argument Fair critical use of evidence to support argument Poor critical use of evidence to support argument /25 Organization Is organized clearly and logically. Is presented in a format appropriate to the purpose, occasion, and audience Student presents information in semi-logical sequence. Some issues with clarity Reader has difficulty following paper. Organization hinders reader’s comprehension ability. /10 Bibliography Bibliography is complete Bibliography is included but Bibliography is missing Bibliography is almost or /5 and formatted according to CMS guidelines. may be incomplete or formatted incorrectly. some components. completely missing. Citations Citations follow CMS Guidelines. Citations attempt to follow CMS guidelines, or follow guidelines for another citation style. Citations are not consistent with any style. Paper is missing citations. /5 Grammar, Mechanics, Spelling, and Sentence Structure Presentation is highly polished; no grammar or spelling errors. Utilizes standard conventions appropriate for study in English Presentation is polished; maximum of one grammar or spelling error. Presentation is adequate; maximum of two grammar or spelling errors. Inadequate presentation; more than two spelling or grammar errors. /5 Total /100 AUTOMATIC POINT DEDUCTIONS +/- MORE THAN 50 WORDS: -15 POINTS MISSING SOURCE: -30 POINTS