UNITED STATES HISTORY
Roycemore School
September 17, 2010
Mr. Novick
TAKE-HOME ESSAY EXAM ONE
DUE: Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Please answer the following questions, using your syllabus, class notes, textbooks, and, if you choose, the Internet (see the class website for links to history sites you can use at http://ushistorywithmrnovick.blogspot.com). You can also phone a classmate for assistance, although you must, of course, write your answers yourself (please note that copying and pasting from a website is the same as cheating on a test…paraphrase, that is, use your own words).
Your answer should be written neatly or typed in complete sentences, with careful attention paid to using correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Written answers must be in pen, and typed answers must be double-spaced. Each answer should be at least two paragraphs in length. You have the option of either turning in this essay exam in class on the due date, or e-mailing your answers to me at jnovick@roycemoreschool.org by 10:00 PM the night before it is due.
Throughout the year, each question is worth 10 points, on the following scale:
Historical Accuracy/Thought Process: 1-5 Points Possible for Each Question—
5 pts = Demonstrates mastery of all material/concepts
4 pts = Demonstrates mastery of most material/concepts
3 pts = Demonstrates basic understanding of material/concepts
2 pts = Demonstrates some knowledge of the material/concepts
1 pt = Demonstrates little knowledge of the material/concepts
0 pts = Fails to demonstrate any knowledge of the material/concepts
Writing (organization, neatness, grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.): 1-5 Points Possible for Each Question—
5 pts = Excellent writing: clear, cohesive, and well-organized. No grammar, spelling, or punctuation mistakes.
4 pts = Very Good writing: clear, cohesive, and organized, but one or two minor problems with organization, clarity, grammar, spelling, or punctuation.
3 pts = Good writing: meaning is clear, but need to address more than two problems with clarity, organization, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
2 pts = Fair writing: some of the meaning is clear, and multiple problems with organization, neatness, grammar, spelling, or punctuation.
1 pt = Poor writing: meaning is unclear, and/or serious problems with organization, neatness, grammar, spelling, or punctuation.
0 pts = Writing is incoherent
QUESTIONS:
1. Referring to your syllabus and our in-class discussions/notes, describe what approximate years and major events in each century will be covered during this survey course. Then describe three major ‘themes’ in US history we will explore throughout the year.
2. What are the basic ‘rules’ for studying history, as discussed in class and on your syllabus? Explain, giving your own example for each rule.
3. Based on your knowledge to date, why is Christopher Columbus important to the study of American history?
4. In addition to the identification of a faster water route to Asia for trade, what are at least two other ‘causes’ of European exploration of the Americas? Explain.
5. What did ‘discovery,’ settlement, and colonization ultimately mean to the native peoples of the New World? Provide specific examples, referring to your textbook. Include your answer to this question: why is the contact between the Europeans and the Native Americans complex, and not so simple?
6. Explain, in your own words, how and why Africans were kidnapped and enslaved by the millions in the New World. Be specific, referring to your notes and the textbook.
7. Using your textbook or the websites linked from the class website, identify the following: Mayflower Compact; Plymouth; Massachusetts Bay; Roger Williams; Salem Witchcraft Trials (be certain to define them, and tell in a sentence or two why they are considered historically important). There must be evidence that you have thought about WHY these people and things are important. Providing simple definitions will not earn full credit. Two points each.
8. Write a two-paragraph biography of Pocahontas, in your own words. Be certain to include why she is considered an historically important person. Keep in mind, while creating your biography, the basic rules for the study of history.
9. Describe the differences between the three English colonial regions in the New World: New England; the Middle Colonies; and the Southern Colonies.
10. We have stated that while all historians recognize Christopher Columbus as an important figure in world and American history, some people view him as a hero who ‘discovered’ a New World that led to the creation of the United States, while others view him as a negative figure, whose ‘discovery’ led to the enslavement and death of millions of Native Americans in the name of spreading ‘civilization’ and ‘Christianity.’ What do you think, and why? Should Columbus be celebrated today, in your view? Explain your position in two paragraphs, remembering our basic rules for studying history. There is no ‘right’ answer here, but there are certainly well-written, thoughtful answers, and weak, poorly thought-out answers. Spend some time thinking first!
