Posted: November 29th, 2014

Exam 2

EXAM #2 (due in designated Dropbox no later than Midnight on Wednesday, October 30, 2013)

Learning Objectives: To come to an understanding that the study of American history is not about memorizing “facts and dates” but is an exploration of who we are, and how “the past” is continually shaping “the present.”

This Exam is based on Chapters 4-6 of our E-Text (or Chapters 5-8 of the Text, which you may have in traditional form or in digital form embedded in our Course Content). The E-Text is extremely interactive and is embedded with many interesting resources, such as movies, maps, eyewitness documents, and activities. The conventional Text is more straightforward and non-interactive. The following reflections allow you to use either source—E-Text or Text—or both as you explore the meaning of our history. Note that if you are using an Access Code, you can use both the conventional textbook and the E-Text from our Course Content (both are in digital form). If you do not have the Access Code and are only using the conventional text, you can choose the relevant questions below that apply to that source.

Here is how I would recommend your preparing for this Exam:

If you’re using the E-Text, access each Lesson (4-6) found under Module Two and choose the Interactive Version of each. Before doing anything else, find the World Globe icon (it appears on several pages throughout the Lesson) and click on it. Then click on “Students” then “Student Resources”. Here you will see a sidebar containing all the chapters. When you click on each one, you will see a chapter summary. Read these summaries for Chapters 4-6 first. This will give you a brief overview of the topics covered. Brief summaries are found on the last page of each individual chapter. The various quizzes and activities found in these chapters are optional and not required.

If you’re using the Text, start by reading the “Conclusion” section of each chapter (5-8), and then take a quick look at the chapter, noting the topics covered, and take a close look at the illustrations, including pictures, graphs, and maps. Then read the introductory section of each chapter (usually the first two pages).

You are free to explore this material in your own way. Remember that your learning opportunities in this class are unlimited. You don’t need me or the other members of this class to tell you what you want to know. The whole world is your classroom!! But the following exam essay choices will guide you in your learning and will give you some specific things on which to concentrate. In particular, the E-Text will give you a wealth of learning opportunities that go far beyond what can be done with a conventional text. It’s kind of like a “Facebook of History” and very interactive, stimulating, and multi-dimensional.

EXAM #2 DIRECTIONS AND ESSAY CHOICES (due no later than Midnight, Wednesday, October 30, 2013): Based on Text, Chapters 5-8 and/or E-Text, Chapters 4-6.

Directions: Choose TWO (50 pts. max. each) of the following essays (based on which text or texts you are using) and submit the Exam inits designated Dropbox no later than Midnight on October 30, 2013.. EACH ESSAY should be no more than 3 double-spaced pages in length (12 point font). The emphasis is on quality rather than quantity and on your ability to THINK about this material and to relate it to your own experiences.

As you can see, these questions and topics are for the most part the same as those for Exam #1, but the relevant material is different. I saw no reason to substantially alter the basic approach for this Exam. I have added a few surprises, however. And, as usual, your suggestions are welcome.

EXAM TWO ESSAY CHOICES (CHOOSE TWO OF THE FOLLOWING)

(1) TEXT. Choose two illustrations (pictures, painting, graphs, charts, etc.) from Chapters 5-8 and reflect on their meanings for both past and present. Go beyond the captions given for each illustration and offer your own interpretation. What are your thoughts about the role played by non-written sources in our history?

(2) TEXT. Choose a topic from these chapters you find particularly interesting and offer your reflections about its continuing relevance for our lives today. Don’t be afraid to “think outside the box” on this one.

(3) E-TEXT. Choose one movie (assessed by clicking on the Media icon found in various places throughout the lessons) and reflect on how its information sheds light not only on the “past” but on the “present” as well.

(4) E-TEXT. Choose one eyewitness account found in a Briefcase icon and reflect on how this account enriches our understanding of the past as well as making connections with us today.

(5) E-TEXT. Each lesson has a Menu that lists the topics for that chapter. After reviewing Lessons 4-6, choose one topic that you find particularly interesting and reflect on its importance for an understanding of both “past” and “present.”

(6) TEXT AND/ OR E-TEXT. Based on your review of the material assigned for this Exam, give your response to this comment made by a student to a friend: “My teacher made me read all that boring stuff about the United States Constitution and politics way back at the beginning of United States history. What this has to do with my life and career I don’t know. What a waste of time!”

(7) TEXT AND /OR E-TEXT. “Create Your Own Topic,” being sure you clearly state what it is at the beginning of your essay. And don’t forget to support your ideas and interpretations with specific factual information.

(8) TEXT AND/OR E-TEXT. In your essay, respond to this question: “What is the significance of our United States Constitution, and why should we learn as much about it as we can?” Be sure to discuss a specific example or two from your readings to support your answer.

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