Potential topics include: American revolution, the early republic, colonist-native relations, slavery, slave rebellions.
STEP 1:
Pick a topic from this learning unit that you found interesting and compelling. Potential topics include: American revolution, the early republic, colonist-native relations, slavery, slave rebellions.
STEP 2:
Select a primary source document from your readings on Canvas that aligns with the topic you’re interested in. Primary sources you can choose from include:
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“Oneida declaration of neutrality, 1775,”
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“Boston King recalls fighting for the British and securing his freedom, 1798.”
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“Thomas Jefferson’s racism, 1788,”
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“Black scientist Benjamin Banneker demonstrates Black intelligence to Thomas Jefferson, 1791,”
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“Maria Stewart bemoans the consequences of racism, 1832,”
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“Nat Turner explains the Southampton rebellion, 1831,”
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“Harriet Jacobs on rape and slavery, 1860,”
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“George Fitzhugh argues that slavery is better than liberty and equality, 1854,”
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“Mary Polk Branch remembers plantation life, 1912.”
STEP 3:
Analyze your selected primary source using the guiding questions we’ve covered in class:
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Content: what is the document about, what is the general topic?
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Citation: when was this document created and by who?
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Context: what was going on in the world and/or region when this document was written? What major economic, social, political, or cultural trends might this document be responding to directly or indirectly?
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Connections: Does this document reflect, support, or challenge what we are learning in class? What connections to other class content to do you see in this document?
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Communication: Does this source have an identifiable point of view or bias? Do you think this document is reliable? Why or why not?
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Conclusions: How does this source contribute to our understanding of history and the moment in which it was written? What is the main idea or take away for you?
SAMPLE ASSIGNMENT