Length: 3-4 pages
For this paper, you will have your choice of three separate topics. Select 1 of these topics to write a 3-4 page [email protected] on.
For each of these papers, you should consider the textbook, the primary source documents, and the course lectures in shaping your response. Also, most of the questions provide at least one additional document for you to consider.
Paper Topics
1. In thinking about the European enlightenments, we can see that they generated new attitudes to the world and to humans. One example where these attitudes came through was with the Lisbon Earthquake (mentioned in the selection from Voltaire’s Candide) In addition to the course readings, consider Voltaire’s “Poem on the Lisbon Disaster,” John Wesley’s “Some Serious Thoughts Occasioned by the Late Earthquake at Lisbon,” and Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s “Letter to Voltaire.” How do these writers take different positions in responding to the Lisbon Earthquake and tidal wave? What do they stress? How do their responses help us understand the counter-currents of the 18th century?
2. Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill were both noted for their leadership in the 1930s and 1940s. Another example of leadership comes from Dwight D. Eisenhower, the American General. How do these speeches demonstrate leadership? What strategies of rhetoric do they employ to gain support? How do they set immediate events in a larger context? What are their ultimate goals?
3. In thinking about the Cold War clash between the West and Communism, consider authors such as George Kennan, Ronald Reagan, and Alexander Solzhenitsyn. Also consider the commentary provided by Whittaker Chambers in his book Witness [available on the Course Page]. How do these figures reflect on the nature of the USSR? What was at stake in the Cold War? What choices were presented to the world in the middle of the Twentieth Century?
Other Details
Style: Papers should be typed and double-spaced. Set the margins at a width of 1-inch, and use a reasonable font (Calibri or Times New Roman). Please paginate your paper.
Citation: Please cite according to one of two formats. You may use either Chicago/Turabian Style or MLA Style. MLA Style uses parenthetical citations, while Chicago style uses footnotes. Those using Chicago Style should consult Kate Turabian’s A Manual for Writers, 8th edition and follow the Notes-Bibliography format for information on footnotes. Although many students are more familiar with MLA style, be aware that Chicago/Turabian is standard for research and writing in the discipline of History.
Page Count: Page count does not include the bibliography or a title page (which is not required). Since you will be using multiple sources, you should include a bibliography.
Filename: To submit your paper, please title it “[email protected]<your last name>”where you insert your last name. So: [email protected] .
Grading: A good paper will consist of a clear thesis, good supporting evidence (including both direct quotations and indirect references from the readings), and a method of argument which is easy to follow. It will also be free of grammatical problems. I am not interested that you come up with a “right” answer but that you argue your case clearly and effectively. I will be looking for how you engage with, interpret, and (if necessary) argue with the sources.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism will not be tolerated. The paper is expected to be of your own writing. Any paper proven to be plagiarized will receive a 0 grade and could lead to failure for the course.
