Key Lower Division Assignments

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 America’s journey is complex and ever changing. In this assignment you will connect an issue confronting Americans today with an event or trend from the past. You will engage fully with the issues surrounding the history that you have chosen by exploring relating issues from the present. You must use specific examples from both the current event and the historical event.  For example, you may choose to trace the issue of race relations in America’s past with issues today. Your paper should 1500 words, double spaced and include a bibliography. Possible topics include but are not limited to:  

• Race relations in America
• Immigration issues in America
• Religious Freedom in America
• Presidential Power
• Constitutional interpretations

In this research assignment please choose a Leading Lady from our country and research her contributions to the socio-political framework of the country during her era. You should engage fully with the issues of the past regarding your subject's projects and contributions to the country. You must use specific examples from our exploration of Women in US History. For example, you may choose explore Abigail Adam’s contribution to her husband’s presidency, Harriet Tubman's struggles for emancipation or Nancy Reagan’s dedication to the Arts. Your paper should be 5-7 pages or 1500 words in length and include a bibliography. 

20th century American history sees tremendous growth and change in the office of the President of the United States.  Our presidents have acted as leaders, often making decisions that have vast implications for our history as a nation. In this assignment you will research a President from this semester  that you believe has had an intense contribution to our American history. You will engage fully with the issues surrounding their presidency and discuss their legacy in terms of social, political, and historical perspectives. You must use specific examples. Your paper should be 1500 words and include a bibliography with two sources that are NOT internet sources. Chicago Manual Style is prefered, but MLA and APA formatting will be accepted.  

John Winthrop as a leader of the Massachusetts Bay Colony wanted the new colony to be seen as a “City upon a Hill;” an example of Christian society in the New World.  Massachusetts Bay established Puritanism as the state-supported religion, barred other faiths from conducting services and used the Bible as a legal guide.  Roger Williams was a Puritan Minister in Salem who opposed the decision to establish an official religion in the colony and favored toleration of other faiths.

Write a scene between Roger William and John Winthrop arguing the issues of toleration and the separation of church and state.  Have your characters defend their beliefs in their dialogue.  

In a five paragraph essay, compare and contrast first and second wave feminism including the impact on American culture and the obstacles both waves were able to overcome. Cite specific feminist leaders during each wave and include their ideological approach to the specific issues they faced. 

September 11, 2001 was a day that changed the face of our country and greatly impacted my own life.  I lived in New York during that time and was a primary witness to the events of that day.  For weeks after the event, candles covered street corners in New York, I was afraid to take the subway or travel around the city.  Family members of those who lost their lives on that day would post signs, "Have you seen my father..." or "Worked on the 102 floor..."For this assignment, I would like you to visit this website.  http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/us/sept-11-reckoning/portraits-of-grief.html (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

The New York Times did short bios of all the men and women who lost their lives on that tragic morning.  Please pick just one person and read their short bio.  Then write 2 paragraphs about your person and tell us something about them.