ADDITIONAL GUIDE FOR THE MIDTERM ESSAY EXAM
200 points
Due:
Purpose of the Assignment: The purpose of this exam is to experience the process of critical thinking and analysis while writing a response essay.
What is a response paper? A response paper is an essay that is designed to develop intellectually a position or an argument that you show throughout the paper. Response and research papers do not just state just one position, but rather presents an argument and then allow you to develop your own unique conclusions. A response paper is not written as a stream-of-consciousness or a what-I-feel reaction.
How do I approach this exam? Carefully chose your prompt and be sure to address the question posed.
Additional literature IS NOT necessary beyond your textbooks, lectures, and additional videos provided from the course. About 4-6 citations in the paper including the textbook, class notes and videos seems adequate. Please demonstrate your understanding of the essay prompt and the readings with direct connections to the texts and resources you have choose to utilize in the paper.
There is no quantitative limit for your paper, however 2-4 pages seems an adequate format. Please format your paper in either MLA, APA or Chicago Style format however a bibliography or a works cited page is not necessay for this assignment. The paper must be double-spaced, 1” margins, 12 CPI font, cited, paginated, and stapled. A cover page is encouraged (but not absolutely required). The paper must be submitted via Canvas, papers submitted through email will not be accepted. You can write about either prompt 1 or 2 Prompt 1: 1800s middle and upper class American women saw their behavior being regulated by a social system known as “The Cult of True Womanhood”. The Cult of True Womanhood was designed to create separate spheres for men (public space) and women (domestic space). Yet within this domestic sphere, middle class and upper class women created society that allowed them participate, thrive, and even critique the socio-political institutions of America. In your essay, please answer the prompt: How did the Cult of True Womanhood both oppress and empower women in the 1800s?
Prompt 2: Some historians argue that Native American women have been the earliest activists in United States history. These people say that since Europeans made contact with the Native people, Native American women have been a strong force that resisted colonization and assimilation. In your essay, discuss the role that Native American women had pre-contact, their conflict with Europeans and their continued resistance against the United States government. Make sure you support your argument with specific examples from the assigned reading and lectures.