Critical Thinking Paper
History 1301
Dr. Snaples
Overview
The purpose of this paper is for you to explore a controversial decision or topic in
American history and to eventually reach a conclusion about it. You will pick one of the topics
listed below and then consult your notes, read the appropriate sections of the textbook, and do
independent research on the topic. After completing your research, you will identify at least
three(3) arguments on each side of the issue before reaching your own conclusion. Finally, you
will summarize the topic, arguments, and your conclusion in a 750 to 1,500 word essay.
Keys to Reading and Research
Approach each topic critically, assume for the first part that you agree with the idea or
issue and for the second that you do not, what arguments would you use for each side?
Try to understand the arguments being made by the other viewpoint and address then
when supporting the issue, then do the same when opposing it.
Use logic rather than emotion, simply liking one side better than the other indicates a lack
of thought.
Resources
In addition to the textbook, the library staff has prepared a research guide for both
History 1301 and 1302. The guides include helpful books and online resources available through
the library here on campus. My thanks to the library staff for providing them for your use.
Go to the TCCD Home page, http://www.tccd.edu/,
Click on the libraries tab at the top
Click on Research Guides / Tutorials
Then either select History from the list of subjects, or search for Snaples
Click on the appropriate course, 1301 or 1302
The campus also has a Writing Center located in the SCLC room 0106. The lab is a
tutoring center offering assistance by trained members of the staff and faculty for written
assignments. Appointments are recommended but you can drop in, meeting with them sooner
rather than later is advised.
Format
The paper should have a header that contains the student’s name and class information
including course title, days of the week, and time.
At the end of the paper include any sources other than lecture notes or the textbook which
you consulted.
The paper should be between 750-1,500 words. Do not include the header or citations at
the end in the word count. The review should be presented in paragraph format with complete
sentences.
The last thing in the review should be a word count of the review.
Plagiarism
Your paper is an original work prepared by you and not information you found elsewhere
and simply copied. If more than five (5) words in a row were taken from another source they
should be placed in quotation marks. No quote should be longer than twenty-five (25) words
long. The entire paper should not contain more than fifty (50) quoted words in total. Each
violation of these rules will result in a letter grade, 5 point, penalty.
Topics
Select One (1) of the topics listed below:
History 1301 U.S. History Before 1876
1) Did Columbus’ voyages ultimately harm or benefit North America?
2) Which of the first two colonies, Virginia or Massachusetts, offered colonists the best
opportunities in terms of societal advancement, wealth, freedom, and life expectancy?
3) Which of the first political parties, the Federalists or the Democrats, offered the best
vision for the future of the country?
4) Did Eli Whitney’s invention of the Cotton Gin ultimately harm or benefit the United
States?
5) Andrew Jackson is considered a transformative President, was the country better
before or after Andrew Jackson?
Submission
On the Class Home Page in Canvas is a link which says Submit Here, submit your paper
there. If in doubt, email your paper to your professor.
