The term paper is an opportunity for the student to explore a relevant topic of interest and put forth an argument or a viewpoint that they then support through research. A successful term paper will be at least 750 words (three pages), double spaced, font size 12, and font style Times New Roman. In addition to the three pages of the term paper, students will add a bibliography page (not part of the word count) using MLA style.
Term Paper Assignment
Read the letter written by Lt. Col. Travis on February 24th, 1836.
To the People of Texas and All Americans in the World
Fellow citizens and compatriots; I am besieged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna. I have sustained a continual Bombardment and cannonade for 24 hours and have not lost a man. The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken. I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, and our flag still waves proudly from the walls. I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism and everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch. The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily and will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible and die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor and that of his country. VICTORY or DEATH.
William Barret Travis
Lt. Col. Comdt.
P.S. The Lord is on our side. When the enemy appeared in sight we had not three bushels of corn. We have since found in deserted houses 80 or 90 bushels and got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves.
Travis
Specific Essay Instructions (Grade Will Reflect):
– Must be type-written, with student’s first and last name at top, followed by title
– Read the letter written by Lt Col. Travis on February 24th, 1836
– Write an essay that includes the following:
– Do you believe Travis made the correct decision to stay and defend the Alamo?
– If you were Travis, would you have made a different decision?
– Give the opinion(s) of opposing views and defend your view.
– In your opinion (subjective view), what should have been the outcome?
– Use “I think”, “I believe” or “in my opinion”
– Use of provided Lecture Notes is encouraged.
– Essay must be three to four pages in length, with percentage of completion effecting overall grade. For example, with only two full pages written, 33.33% is missing from 100% assignment. In this instance, the overall grade will not be higher than a 67.
– Multiple paragraphs, with minimum of three sentences in each
– College level work is expected, and it must be individually completed only
– College format for your essay must include the following:
– Minimum three full pages of written essay (not counting name and title on first page)
– No bigger than double spacing throughout, including between the paragraphs (no extra spacing)
– Works cited page is necessary and is not a part of the three pages minimum written portion.
– Black font color, Times New Roman font type, no bigger than 12-point font
– Portrait format, 1-inch margins on all sides, left or even justified (not right or centered)
– College level writing, grammar, capitalization, etc. is expected
– Must answer all questions in essay document assignment, include opinions and plagiarism must not be over 25%
– Upload ESSAY as Word into Canvas Assignment before due date (11:59 pm)
– Emails are not accepted and Essays must be converted into Word format
– Essays with plagiarism greater than 25% will result in a ZERO
– Students may make multiple submissions to get plagiarism under 25% or less. Best way to avoid plagiarism is to write in “your own words” and give original opinions. The Essay document is uploaded in Canvas, under Modules. Late work is not allowed for Essays.
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