Instructions
This topic is similar to the “Founders” discussion but hopefully has you think even more deeply about it. The assignment is a formal essay – i.e., grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc. count – designed to enhance your critical thinking abilities. It is a significant percentage of your grade; therefore, you will want to spend some time on it and submit a thoughtful, well-written, professional paper.
Use only the readings that are listed below. Outside research or AI generated responses will not help your grade; in fact, doing that might address items that are not directly associated with the topic and the specific sources and that would actually hurt your grade.
Instructions
1. Read Secondary Source 1 (“Thomas Jefferson and the Character Issue”) and Secondary Source 2 (“Jefferson and Slavery”) – pp. 294-295 – in the textbook.
3. Read Primary Sources 1, 2 & 4 – pp. 296-297 – in the textbook.
Assignment
Compose a 600 word (min.) essay addressing the following:
How do the two secondary sources differ in their characterization of Jefferson and his position regarding slavery?
Summarize the content of each of the three primary sources.
Evaluate which of the two secondary sources is best supported by the primary sources. If you think both secondary source articles are supported by the primary sources, how do you explain such different interpretations of Jefferson? Provide examples from the sources that explain exactly why you reached your conclusion.
Which of the two secondary sources do you find more convincing? Briefly explain your opinion.
Format:
1. Introduction – short 1 paragraph summary of the assignment topic.
2. 4 body paragraphs – 1 for each of the 4 items listed above
3. Conclusion – 1 paragraph summarizing your analysis
4. 6 paragraphs total – no more, no less
5. Double-spaced. I need to be able to make comments between the lines.
6. No formal citations necessary since I already know what sources you are using.
Any deviation from the format instructions will result on a one letter grade deduction.
Compose the essay and save to a file, folder, desktop, etc. on your computer using Word (.doc, .docx), or PDF format only – no Apple Pages, Google Docs, or anything else; then upload to the dropbox.
