HIST 15; Essentials of U.S. History

Write one (1) short essay in response to one of the prompts listed on the following

page.
• Avoid anecdotal examples, long summaries or excessive quotations.
• Cite evidence from the course readings
o Citations should clearly state page numbers from the American Yawp,
the lecture date as listed on the rubric, or the author of the primary
source document.
• Refer to at least two (2) primary source documents assigned this semester.
• Use only course material: Lectures, Linked Videos, American Yawp, and
Assigned Primary Source readings. No Outside Sources!
Please use the following guidelines when formatting and completing the assignment:
• Heading with Name & Course Information (suggested format provided on Canvas)
• Size 11 or 12, Times New Roman or similar Font. Double Space the entire
document.
• Structure your essay with clearly organized paragraphs. Suggested Outline:
• Write a brief, 3-4 sentence introduction including a 1-2 sentence thesis
statement
§ The thesis statement should clearly answer the main question(s) in
the prompt. This is the argument that you will support with your
essay.
§ The prompts each contain multiple questions or points to cover so,
integrate your responses into your thesis statement.
• Write clearly delineated body paragraphs with concise sentences that
explain specific historical examples that support your thesis.
§ Start each paragraph with an argument or claim that reiterates a
portion of the thesis.
§ Provide plenty of specific historical evidence from the class material.
• Evidence means specific historical examples of things that
happened or things that people said or did in the past to
support your argument.