To help you think about what History is all about at the start of this class, you will need to complete the following assignment, but it is not based on any of the course readings or other assignments, so you can start working on it right away. At the end of the semester, you will write a related paper, Second Reflective Paper, which will demonstrate what you now think History is about and how your understanding of the nature and practice of History has developed throughout this course.
In this assignment, write an informal statement explaining what “history” is and why it is worthwhile to research and write history. The activity provides an initial self-assessment of what you already know about the issues involved in historical interpretation, and so it supports the course outcome to cultivate an identity as a historian. This paper should be 450-550 words in length (2-3 pages). Each paragraph must have a topic sentence.
Since the statement is informal, you may include your own opinions. It is not necessary to conduct research into course materials or other sources. Citations are only required if you put forth an idea or supporting information that is not your own. If citations (footnotes and bibliography) are provided, they must be consistent with each other and as close to Chicago Citation Style as possible. The statement must be as mechanically perfect as you can manage: excellent spelling and grammar, no run-on sentences, no subject/verb disagreements, correct use of punctuation. Use active voice.
Based on your own knowledge and opinions now (at the start of the course), answer the following questions in a two to three page paper (the minimum length is two full pages and the maximum length is three full pages, no more, no less). The question to address in your paper has three parts to answer: How do you define History?
Why is it important to study history
What would you like to do professionally as a historian and why that professional path?
To help you think about why others have become historians check out Why Study History
Base your answer on your current views rather than the readings. It is not necessary to conduct research into the course materials or other sources – do not start any of the reading assignments for Week One until you have completed this assignment. Citations are only required if you put forth an idea or supporting information that is not your own original idea.
A few things to do in terms of style for your paper:
double space your paper
indent the first line of each paragraph; you do not need an extra space in between each paragraph
paragraphs should be between four and eight or nine sentences long (no shorter than four sentences or longer than nine sentences)
use proper spelling and grammar
use essay form with a thesis and a conclusion paragraph
Your paper will be graded on your ability to address these three questions in a coherent essay. Spelling, grammar, and general clarity are part of the grade as you should start working on presenting your ideas as a student in a clear and professional way. Please see the grading rubric attached to this assignment for details.
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