To write the essay you may use Unfinished Nation, applicable class-notes, and the PowerPoint lectures. You must cite only these sources in your essay. You may use a parenthetical system of referencing, e.g., (Class Notes 3/28).
I will evaluate your papers based on 1) the quality and plausibility of your response (i.e. it is thoughtful and based on careful reading and engagement with the sources); 2) on how well you use the material from both the readings and the class presentations/discussions to support your response (including a judicious quote here and there—but do not use long block quotes; it is generally better to paraphrase); and 3) on the quality of your writing—your prose should be clear and precise, free of grammatical and spelling errors, and you must follow the format below.
Format:
The essays should be not more than 2 pages, double-spaced, with 1inch margins in 12 pt. Times New Roman or Calibri font. Your name, class name, and semester should appear in the top right-hand corner. You should have a title but no title page necessary. I will also not accept computer problems as an excuse for handing in a test late. The essay should have a thesis paragraph, body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph.
Answer two of the four essay prompts:
In what ways did ideas and values held by Puritans influence the political, economic, and social development of the New England colonies from 1630 through the 1690s?
Analyze the role of trans-Atlantic trade and Great Britain’s mercantilist policies in the economic development of the British North American colonies in the period from 1650 to 1750.
Analyze the differences between the English colonies in the Chesapeake and the English colonies in New England in the 17th century in terms of the following: politics, religion, and economic development.
Compare and contrast the pre-Columbian indigenous cultures in North and South America. Explain why the cultures of Meso-America were more advanced.
