This final will be used to evaluate the following Student learning Outcomes: Demonstrate the ability to interpret primary and secondary sources and to compose an argument which uses them, as appropriate, for support. (Critical Thinking) Demonstrate an understanding of U.S. History through current analytical categories of race, class, gender and ethnicity. (Self-Development & Global Awareness) Explain the major social and cultural developments, their causes and effects, and their historical significance. (Communication Skill)
You will construct a 5-6 page paper (1,250-1,500 words) with an argument that effectively uses both primary and secondary sources as assigned in class that addresses the following prompt:
How have Americans responded, protested, and advocated for freedom, civil rights, human rights, justice and the pursuit of equality in the United States from 1880s-2024?
1. Form an argument that answers the prompt above. Please have the argument underlined in your paper.
2. You must use at least 1 of the primary source documents assigned in the course: Primary Source 1, Primary Source 2, or Primary Source 3
3. Follows rules of citation for MLA, APA, or Chicago Style. A paper that lacks citations will not be graded for points.
4. Double Spaced
5. In Times New Roman or Arial, font 12
6. 1 inch margins
7. 5-6 pages (1,250-1,500 words)
8. Works cited page or bibliography
9. Be 100% your own work for this class. Do not work with another student enrolled in this class to write this paper because you will likely produce similar papers that would be identified as plagiarism. You are NOT allowed to use AI software to help you craft, edit, summarize or write your paper. Do not use software like Grammarly for editing purposes. When in doubt ask or don’t use it.
10. Use only assigned course materials including module content, videos, assigned course text, primary source documents and discussion boards (this is the only outside information allowed on this paper).
In order to help you organize your paper, consider these questions and include the answers in your paper. Your paper will include an introduction paragraph with the argument underlined, at least 3 body paragraphs, a conclusion and bibliography (works cited page).
1. Identify which of the areas you would like to focus on: freedom, civil rights, human rights, justice or the pursuit of equality. You must select at least one of the options.
2. Which group(s) of people are impacted?
3. How did they respond?
4. Identify which primary source documents you will be using.
5. What events, ideas, or outside factors contributed to these reactions?
6. Where these group(s) successful?
7. How has the legacy of our past shaped our present?
Answers to Common Questions
1. You can cite modules as (Herrera Thomas, Module #), (Primary source #)
2. You may use work that you completed for the primary source documents, module recap and primary source document
3. An argument is a main idea that is supported by evidence. There needs to be a point to the paper, it is trying to convince the reader of a point using evidence to lead the reader to a specific conclusion. It is not a book report or an informative paper. You are not writing an informative paper about how Americans gained civil rights in the 1950s. Rather you will answer the how and why American gained civil rights.
4. How will this assignment will be assessed? I will be looking for proof that you understand the material and the demonstration of your ability to use or apply the evidence in ways that go beyond what you have read or heard.
heres my primary source 1; Lexie Thompson Semester One 19 September 2024 Hong Primary Source #1 What is the purpose of this document? The purpose of Rudyard Kipling’s “The White Man’s Burden” is to encourage imperialist nations, particularly the United States, to take on the responsibility of colonizing and governing non-Western people, especially during the U.S. war against Filipino insurgents. Kipling presents imperialism as a moral duty of Western nations to “civilize” and control other peoples. Who is the intended audience and how do you know this? The intended audience is the American and British ruling class or those who support imperialism. This is evident because Kipling appeals to their sense of duty and responsibility in controlling “new-caught, sullen peoples” and framing it as a noble cause. The poem assumes the audience shares the belief in Western superiority and the benefits of colonization. In 1-2 paragraphs, explain the general argument(s) (or purpose) of this document. Do you agree or disagree with the argument, please explain. The general argument of the poem is that imperial powers, specifically the U.S., should “take up the White Man’s burden” by colonizing and governing foreign nations for their own good. Kipling portrays this as a difficult and thankless task, where the imperialists will face resentment from the very people they are trying to “civilize.” However, he frames this burden as a moral obligation that will test their character and lead to wisdom. I disagree with Kipling’s argument because it reflects a racist and paternalistic attitude toward non-Western people. The idea of Western nations having the right or duty to rule over others is based on the assumption that colonized people are inferior and incapable of self-governance. This mindset justifies exploitation and ignores the harm imperialism inflicted on colonized nations. In 1 paragraph, what is the historical legacy or how does this topic impact our nation/society today? The legacy of “The White Man’s Burden” can still be seen in discussions about Western intervention in non-Western countries. It reflects a history of imperialism that has left deep scars on nations in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, where colonization disrupted local societies, economies, and cultures. Today, the poem reminds us of the harmful effects of paternalistic policies and the dangers of viewing one culture or race as superior to others, ideas that continue to influence global politics and racial relations. List and define key words or significant quotes (list 3-5), if using a quote, explain why you chose it. “Take up the White Man’s burden— / Send forth the best ye breed—” This phrase signifies the belief that Western nations have a moral responsibility to govern non-Western people, and they should send their “best” to do so. It reflects the racist notion of superiority that underpins the poem. “Your new-caught, sullen peoples, / Half devil and half child” This quote demonstrates Kipling’s dehumanizing view of colonized people, portraying them as primitive and needing Western guidance. I chose this quote because it highlights the paternalism and racism that justified imperialism. “The blame of those ye better / The hate of those ye guard—” Kipling suggests that despite the colonizers’ efforts to “improve” the lives of those they rule, they will be met with resentment. This reflects the common imperialist argument that colonized people were ungrateful for the “civilization” imposed upon them.