American Civilization 101
Take home midterm examination; Due Thursday, March 29 in class
Directions:  Provide a critical commentary on one of  the issues below.  Make sure you provide evidence from the readings and/or lectures.  The essays will be graded on a curve. In other words, I will determine the best essay and use it as a point of reference for the entire class.  In light of the fact that you have one solid week to prepare your essay, I will expect good writing technique and critical analysis; and yes, all within two-typewritten pages.
Format: Please follow the MLA format in essay writing: one inch margin, doube-space, 12 font, and two typewritten pages
Writing tips: 1. Professional appearance is mandatory; run-on or long-winded sentences are not acceptable; spelling errors are  not acceptable. Use the writing clinic to ensure a successful grade.
2. Quality and not quantity is the key to a good essay. Keep you paper at two pages. Do not engage in rhetorical jargon.
3.Organization is imperative:  Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.  All paragraphs must be connected with a transitional line to ensure continuity throughout your essay.
4.Substance is very important.  By this I mean that your essay must demonstrate mastery of the material in addition to delivering critical analysis (opinions based on facts).
Write on ONY one of the issues below: 1.  Provide a critical commentary on executive and congressional reconstruction 2. Provide a critical commentary on the effects of industrialization during the 19th century