Examining secondary sources Discussion Paper

September 11, 2021

For this week’s discussion, we are going to work on examining secondary sources (American Yawp and another textbook, Exploring American Histories http://www.americanyawp.com/text/01-the-new-world/ chapter 3 and 4 Asking questions about what you’ve read is important when investigating primary sources–you’ve been doing that this semester in your discussions and writing assignments. Reading for history is also important in evaluating secondary sources that historians write to provides context for the primary sources we read and analyze. Think back to your reading of David Chioni Moore’s essay “How to Read,” earlier this semester (re-read it if necessary). Think about what you’ve already read from American Yawp on the New Nation/Early Republic era this week. Now, read how this same era is covered in another textbook, Hewitt/Lawson’s Exploring American Histories in their chapter “The Early Republic: 1790-1820.”

In your initial post to this week’s discussion forum, compare information as it is presented to you in the two history textbooks. Use specifics from each book in your post to support your comments. Consider the following as your prepare your post:

What do the editors/authors emphasize in the assigned chapters from each book?
What is the point of view/perspective of the editors/authors in the assigned chapters from each book? Are they judgmental? Do they offer up heroes? villains?
Does the narrative in of the books seem more familiar to you than the other? Why?
Doe the editors/authors of either book (based on this week’s assigned chapters) shape/change your thinking on this period in American history? How?
Please, read the instructions carefully. 200-250 words will do. (Don’t exceed the word count please)

Distinguished

(100%)

Proficient

(85%)

Basic

(70%)

Below Expectations

(50%)

Non-Performance

(0%)

Thesis Statement

Raises the strongest objection to the thesis presented in the assignment. The objection is strongly grounded in research and logical reasoning.

Raises a plausible objection to the thesis presented in the assignment. The objection is mostly grounded in research and logical reasoning.

Raises an objection to the thesis presented in the assignment. The objection is somewhat grounded in research and logical reasoning.

Attempts to raise an objection to the thesis presented in the assignment. The objection is minimally grounded in research and logical reasoning.

The objection to the thesis is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Counter Argument

Provides a strong, thorough rebuttal to the objection. The rebuttal effectively demonstrates that the thesis can withstand the objection and applies the principles of charity and accuracy.

Provides a rebuttal to the objection. The rebuttal mostly demonstrates that the thesis can withstand the objection and mostly applies the principles of charity and accuracy.

Provides a limited rebuttal to the objection. The rebuttal somewhat demonstrates that the thesis can withstand the objection and somewhat applies the principles of charity and accuracy.

Attempts to provide a rebuttal to the objection; however, the rebuttal minimally demonstrates that the thesis can withstand the objection and does not apply the principles of charity and accuracy.

The rebuttal is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Conclusion

– Provides clear and concise closing remarks that comprehensively summarize the essay. The remarks consider the broader controversy and/or further research that could offer additional insight into the moral solution of the business problem.

Provides closing remarks that summarize the essay. The remarks mostly consider the broader controversy and/or further research that could offer additional insight into the moral solution of the business problem. The closing remarks are somewhat unclear.

Provides closing remarks that minimally summarizes the essay. The remarks minimally consider the broader controversy and/or further research that could offer additional insight into the moral solution of the business problems. The closing remarks are unclear and/or vague.

Attempts to provide closing remarks that summarize the essay, however, the remarks do not consider the broader controversy and/or further research that could offer additional insight into the moral solution of the business problem. The closing remarks are unclear and vague.

The closing remarks are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Written Communication: Context of and Purpose for Writing

Demonstrates methodical application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is evident and easy to understand. Summaries, quotes, and/or paraphrases fit naturally into the sentences and paragraphs. Paper flows smoothly.

Demonstrates sufficient application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is, for the most part, clear and easy to understand. There are some problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper flows somewhat smoothly.

Demonstrates a limited understanding of organization and presentation of content in written work. The purpose of the writing is somewhat evident but may not be integrated throughout the assignment. There are many problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper does not flow smoothly in all sections.

Organization and presentation of content are extremely limited. The purpose of the writing is unclear. There is little or no blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper does not flow smoothly when read.