National Archives Assignment
For this assignment, you need to visit the National Archives DOCSTeach site. Historians typically use two types of materials, secondary source, and primary source documents. Secondary sources are typically books and articles written on a particular historical event, well after the fact. Primary source documents are usually generated by first-hand participants. Good historians rely heavily on original materials created at the time of the event. For this reason, historians spend a good deal of time at the archives. There are many types of archives, but by far, the largest in the United States, is the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
The National Archives contains more than 10 billion documents, and they have collected thousands of those in the National Archives DOCSTeach site. After you have opened the above link, click on “Menu” on the upper left, and then “Documents.” In the “Keyword” box type in the subject you wish to research. Please remember that your topic should fall within the period of history covered by this course. Typical keywords might be something like Jefferson, American Revolution, Madison, Civil War, Lincoln or any number of topics.
After your images have appeared, you need to select five (5) of them that are relevant to your topic. In the upper right hand corner, just above your image, there is an icon to save that image. You will also note that below each image there is some information about that document as well as full citation.
There are two ways that you can complete this assignment. Once you have collected your documents, you can create a PowerPoint, or use them as evidence for writing a 3-5 page essay. Naturally, you will need some other information, and you can gather that through the internet, or other books and articles. As a precaution, avoid using textbooks.
S u b j e c t : W r i t t e n A s s i g n m e n t s
Throughout the courses at APUS, you will undoubtedly write a multitude of short papers. Other types of assignments
that you might be required to write / produce are presentations, book reviews, film reviews, and research papers. This
course does not require a research paper so I will not discuss it, but I will quickly discuss each of the other types of
assignments as well as the citation format you will use in your history classes.
Citations
History and military history students should become familiar with the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) format for
citations and the bibliography. The CMS is the standard format for historians. As such, it is our responsibility to
ensure that you use this format so that you become comfortable with it during your undergraduate years. Please be
familiar it with when you must cite material in your paper. Non-history majors can use APA or MLA as the citation
and reference style used in written work submitted as part of coursework to the University. A common rule is that if
you use any of the information from your sources word-for-word, you must use quotation marks and you must cite the
source. If you read the information and write it in your own words and it is not common knowledge, then you must
cite the source because you are paraphrasing someones information. Failure to cite properly is plagiarism and is taken
seriously by the university. You need to include citations in your forums and written assignments as needed. Do not just
list the URL or CNN but try to follow the standard as dictated by the format you use. You may not use Wikipedia for
your citations since it is not a reliable source of information. Do not use encyclopedias either because they condense
information.
An important note is that we do not expect perfection in listing your sources, but we do expect you to make a
reasonable attempt. If you have questions on the CMS, it is available in the APUS library in the Tutorial & Student
Study Center. Unless otherwise informed by your instructor, you will use endnotes in your written assignments. An
endnote is a complete bibliographical citation indicated by a number in the text and listed at the end of the paper.
Your instructor can also provide guidance if you have any questions on citations.
Assignment Format
Font: Times New Roman, 12 point
Spacing: Double-spaced, with no additional spaces between lines or paragraphs
Margins: 1 on every side (top, bottom, left and right)
Page Numbers: Centered at the bottom of every page except the cover page
Chicago Manual of Style Format: You need to include a title page, rather than a heading on the first page.
You also need to use endnotes and provide a proper bibliography.
Save your paper with an easy to recognize naming convention, such as JonesHIST101ShortPaper1
National Archives Assignment:
For this assignment, you need to visit the National Archives Site. Historians typically use two types of materials, secondary
source, and primary source documents. Secondary sources are typically books and articles written on a particular historical
event, well after the fact. Primary source documents are usually generated by first-hand participants. Good historians rely
heavily on original materials created at the time of the event. For this reason, historians spend a good deal of time at the
archives. There are many types of archives, but by far, the largest in the United States, is the National Archives in
Washington, D.C.
For this assignment, you need to visit the National Archives DOCSTeach site. Historians typically use two types of materials,
secondary source, and primary source documents. Secondary sources are typically books and articles written on a particular
historical event, well after the fact. Primary source documents are usually generated by first-hand participants. Good
historians rely heavily on original materials created at the time of the event. For this reason, historians spend a good deal of
time at the archives. There are many types of archives, but by far, the largest in the United States, is the National Archives in
Washington, D.C.
The National Archives contains more than 10 billion documents, and they have collected thousands of those in the National
Archives DOCSTeach site. After you have opened the above link, click on Menu on the upper left, and then Documents.
In the Keyword box type in the subject you wish to research. Please remember that your topic should fall within the period
of history covered by this course. Typical keywords might be something like Jefferson, American Revolution, Madison, Civil
War, Lincoln or any number of topics.
After your images have appeared, you need to select five (5) of them that are relevant to your topic. In the upper right hand
corner, just above your image, there is an icon to save that image. You will also note that below each image there is some
information about that document as well as full citation.
There are two ways that you can complete this assignment. Once you have collected your documents, you can create a
PowerPoint, or use them as evidence for writing a 3-5 page essay. Naturally, you will need some other information, and you
can gather that through the internet, or other books and articles. As a precaution, avoid using textbooks.
You are allowed to choose your own topic as long as it pertains to the subject of this course. If you have any questions on t he
subject matter, please contact your professor. This is your opportunity to look a little deeper at a subject that interests you.
All information must be cited. You are welcome to use APA, or MLA, but if you are a history major, you are strongly
encouraged to us the Chicago Style format. If you are writing a paper, it must be double-spaced (Times New Roman, font size
12), and include a cover page with your name, course number and course title, instructors name, and date.
Once completed, you should post a copy of your project in the Assignments section, as well as the forum reserved for that.
The Project is due on Sunday by 11:55 PM, ET. You are also responsible for responding to the submissions of three of your
classmates by the following Sunday at 11:55 PM, ET.
Short Paper
The writing of a short paper allows you to demonstrate your research skills to your instructor and to receive feedback
that will benefit you when you write other papers. With this assignment, you will learn how to conduct proper and
adequate research that will prepare you for writing the research papers in upper level classes. The writing of a short
paper may sound relatively easy, but it actually requires skills that only through writing multiple short papers can a
person begin to master. This primary skill is the ability to construct a concise and well-written paper that shows your
comprehension of the topic through analysis of several sources. Unless otherwise informed by your instructor, a short
paper is at least three full pages of text, and you must consult a minimum of two academically credible sources. The
topic of the written assignments must fall within the scope of the course and your instructor may provide you with a
list of preferred topics.
The initial step in writing the paper is choosing the topic, the second is choosing a bibliography (your sources), and the
third step is creating an outline. The next steps include gathering information from your sources to assist you in writing
the paper, keeping notes of your sources, and writing a rough draft. As you write the rough draft, it is strongly
https://www.docsteach.org/
recommended that you keep accurate notes of where you found each aspect of information for your bibliography and
to assist you with your citations. After you complete your rough draft, you need to read it again and revise the paper
into your final draft. Once you have the final draft complete, proofread the paper and submit it to your instructor.
The short paper must include a cover page, footnotes, and a bibliography at the end. While composing your paper, use
proper English. Do not use abbreviations, contractions, passive voice, or first/second person (I, me, you, we, our, us).
Before submitting your paper, check your grammar and use spell check. Remember, the way you talk is not the way
you write a paper. To assist your instructor, save your paper with an easy to recognize naming convention, such as
JonesHIST101ShortPaper.
Presentation
In some cases, your instructor may allow you to create a presentation instead of a short paper. A presentation is
generally a visual representation of a short paper that instead of having paragraphs has bullet points or short
paragraphs on each slide. The presentation will have to include a cover page, a bibliography, and talking notes for
each slide. Your instructor can provide you with more specifics if a presentation is allowed in lieu of a second short
paper. In all cases, you will not have to create a presentation if you do not already have a working knowledge of the
proper programs used in creating a presentation; your instructor will allow you to write a second short paper instead.
Reviews
A review is not the same as a report. The process of reviewing articles, books, films, Internet sites, etc. is not easy
since it requires you to report on the content and evaluate the work. When you evaluate the work, you need to consider
items such as organization, logic, evidence, style, and conclusion. Your instructor may ask you to evaluate the work
and offer your opinion on it. If you have a review in your class, your instructor will provide specific guidance and if
you are unsure of how to write a review and want to ensure that you are actually writing a review and
not a report (which is what most people did in high school), contact your instructor. Unless otherwise directed by your
instructor, a review is at least three full pages of text and you must include a minimum of two academically credible
sources.
Critical Thinking Assignment for the Short Paper, Presentation, or Review
When your instructor grades your written assignment, the instructor will ask you at least three content related
questions and place them within the body of the paper. Two special forums exist in the class where you will post the
question and the answer to one of the questions asked by your instructor for that particular assignment. The first
written paper is due during Week Three. Your instructor will grade your work during Week Four and include the
three questions in the returned graded work. During Week Five, you will answer the question in a special forum by
Friday night and read the questions and answers of your classmates and you may comment on their postings as well.
The second written assignment is due during Week Six. Your instructor will grade it during Week Seven, and you will
answer one of the questions during Week Eight.
Cover Page
The cover page consists of the title, your name, student ID number, course number, instructors name, and date. You
need to center this information both horizontally and vertically. An example is:
Tecumseh
By John Doe (96525) American
Public University System September
1, 2011
HIST101: American History to 1877
Professor Smith
Late Assignments
Students are expected to submit classroom assignments by the posted due date and to complete the course according
to the published class schedule. As adults, students, and working professionals, I understand you must manage
competing demands on your time. Should you need additional time to complete an assignment, please contact me
before the due date so we can discuss the situation and determine an acceptable resolution.
Work posted or submitted after the assignment due date will be reduced by 10% of the potential total score possible
for each day late up to a total of five days, including forum posts/replies, quizzes, and assignments. Beginning on the
sixth day late through the end of the course, late work, including forum posts/replies, quizzes, and assignments, will
be accepted with a grade reduction of 50% of the potential total score earned.
Conclusion
In some classes, you may have to submit a book review, a battle analysis, a film analysis, and other written
assignments. In all cases, if you have questions, contact your instructor for guidance once you have a question, do not
wait until the day before the due date. Remember, instructors are here to help you in your learning of the subject and
will do all that they can, but you shoulder the responsibility of doing the work and asking questions as they arise. Why are primary sources so valuable to learning history? Better than the text?
Primary sourcesare contemporary accounts or physical objects (evidence) which were written or created during the time period under study. Written primary sources include manuscripts, diaries, letters, memoirs, journals, speeches, and interviews (including oral interviews). They may also include published pieces such as newspaper or magazine articles (if written soon after the fact and not as historical accounts), photographs, audio or video recordings, research reports in the natural or social sciences, or original literary or theatrical works.Physical objects such as pottery, furniture, clothing, weapons and armor, and architectural structures are also primary sources.
One of the critical skills you should develop in this course is to create an informed reflection of what you are exploring as an historical topic, event, or person. Its an important college skill!
Basic Grading Criteria for Assignment #1
1
2
3
4
Indicate points and explanation of how grade was determined
Total points possible
Unsatisfactory
(D+ or below)
Satisfactory
(C- to C+)
Good
(B- to B+)
Excellent
(A- to A+)
Format and Submission
Project includes all material needed to gain an understanding of the topic.
Project does not use correct format and guidelines not followed.
(0-6.9 points)
Project formatted with three or more errors.
(7.0-7.9 points)
Project formatted correctly with one to two errors.
(8.0-8.9 points)
Project formatted correctly and all guidelines followed.
(9.0-10.0 points)
10
Sequencing of Project
Information is organized in a clear, logical way. It is easy to anticipate the type of material that might be on the poster or next slide.
Project is not logically organized; ideas fail to make sense and the reader cannot identify a theme or line of reasoning; little evidence of coherent organization and use of factual material.
(0-13.9 points)
Project appears to be logically organized, but ideas fail to make sense; the reader is unclear about what the author intends due to poor organization and major omissions of factual material.
(14.0-15.9 points)
The organization of the project generally supports the purpose or argument; ideas are usually logically sequenced so that the reader can follow the line of reasoning and use of factual material.
(16-17.9 points)
The organization of the project logically supports the purpose or argument; ideas are logically sequenced; the reader can easily follow the line of reasoning.
(18.0-20.0 points)
20
Topic Choice and Originality
Presentation shows considerable originality and inventiveness. The content and ideas are presented in a unique and interesting way.
Topic is considerably too large /narrow project and/or marginally related to the course; significant problems with understanding of historical content.
(0-6.9 points)
Topic is considerably too large /narrow for project and/ or marginally related to the course; some logical and historical errors
(7.0-7.9 points)
Topic is appropriate but too large /narrow for project; thesis is clear and supported by images and text in project.
(8.0-8.9 points)
Topic is appropriate project; thesis is clear and supported by images and text in a creative way.
(9.0-10.0 points)
10
Spelling and Grammar
Writing and grammar demonstrates effective use of language, and punctuation and spelling
The writing has substantial errors in grammar and style so that the basic ideas are lost; the writing lacks clarity; errors in spelling are frequent enough to be a major distraction to the reader.
(0-6.9 points)
The writing has more than three grammatical and stylistic errors; paper requires additional proofreading, as some errors impede the flow of the reading. More than three spelling errors.
(7.0-7.9 points)
The writing has one to three grammatical and stylistic errors; sentence structure is generally effective. No more than three spelling errors.
(8.0-8.9 points)
The writing is free of grammatical and stylistic errors; sentence structure is used effectively. No spelling errors.
(9.0-10.0 points)
10
Use of Graphics
All graphics are attractive (size and colors) and support the theme/content of the presentation.
Graphics do not support topic and thesis of project. The majority of the graphics are difficult to see.
(0-13.9 points)
Graphics support topic and thesis of project with three or more graphics difficult to see.
(14.0-15.9 points)
Graphics support topic and thesis of project with one to three graphics difficult to see.
(16.0-17.9 points)
Graphics support topic and thesis of project and are presented in a creative way. All graphics are clear.
(18.0-20.0 points)
20
Organization
PowerPoint contains a minimum of 5 slides. All parts of the task are completed fully and support the theme/content of the presentation.
Project does not contain minimum number of components. Posters and/or slides are incomplete.
(0-13.9 points)
Project missing one required component.
(14.0-15.9 points)
Project contains all components, but one poster and/or slide is incomplete.
(16.0-17.9 points)
Project contains all required components and all components are complete.
(18.0-20.0 points)
20
Use of Citation and Bibliography
Citations and bibliography credit sources correctly using Chicago/ Turabian or APA or MLA citation rules
In-text citations not used and/or bibliography not included
(0-6.9 points)
Citations and bibliography included with more than three errors
(7.0-7.9 points)
Citations and bibliography are including and follow the correct format with one to three errors.
(8.0-8.9 points)
Citations and bibliography follow the correct format with no errors.
(9.0-10.0 points)
10
Total = 100 pts.
Your project engages the reader with an original approach to the subject. Its great when you can encompass conflicting ideas and inspire the reader to contemplate the relationship of complex ideas in American history.
Let me know if you have questions.
