Critical thinking paper History 1301 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 conclusion in a 750 to 1,000-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. Format The paper should have a header that contains the students name and class information. At the end of the paper include any sources other than lecture notes or the textbook which you consulted. The paper should be between 750-1,000 words. Do not include the header or citations at the end of the word count. The review should be presented in paragraph format with complete sentences. 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 Was Columbus discovery of the Western Hemisphere ultimately harmful or beneficial to North America? Which of the first two colonies, Virginia or Massachusetts, offered colonists the best opportunities in terms of societal advancement, wealth, freedom, and life expectancy? Which of the first political parties, the Federalists or the Democrats, offered the best vision for the future of the country? Was the Souths decision to secede in 1860-61 justified and constitutional?
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