History 151                                                  University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Fall 2003                                                                                             Prof. L. Lovett

 

Paper Assignment

 

 

Please write a five page essay on one of the topics provided below.

 

TOPIC:

Option1:  An editorial in the Arkansas Gazette on September 4, 1957 suggested that Governor Orval Faubus' actions in Little Rock escalated the issue of school integration into a national crisis. [1]   In Warriors Don't Cry, Melba Beals argues that "had Faubus not called out the troops on that first day, had he remained silent, the integration of Central High would not have been as difficult," because in part Faubus' defiant actions set a tone that encouraged white violence. [2]    Do you agree with Beals' claim?  In your essay, please consider Governor Faubus' actions and their consequences, the experiences of those who worked to integrate Central High, and what integrating Central High represented socially and economically for all involved.  What was at stake in the integration of Central High?

 

Option 2:  Your textbook, Out of Many (pp. 518-519), describes the pressure on women during the post-war years to "to return to an "imaginary traditional" family, where men alone were breadwinners and women stayed happily at home" (p. 518).  Do the women in Melba Beals' Warriors Don't Cry exemplify this trend?  Do they remain "happily at home"? Why or why not?  Please use details from Beals' memoir to support your claims.

 

DUE DATE:

Your paper is due at the beginning of section on Friday, April 16th.

 

LATE PAPER PENALTY:

Papers handed in late will be graded down one-third of a letter grade per day late.

 

Please follow the formatting and style recommendations given below.

 

FORMATTING: Please see the guidelines on the paper coversheet provided at http://people.umass.edu/llovett/cover.html

Your paper must include this coversheet.

 

WRITING GUIDELINES:

.             My paper has a clear and disputable thesis.

.             My introduction explains why the subject of my paper is important and interesting.

.             Each paragraph in my paper is focused on one topic.

.             Each claim in my paper is supported by evidence.

.             My paper makes good use of both primary and secondary sources.

.             I have followed the citation guidelines for both paraphrased and directly quoted material. (see http://www.umass.edu/history/history_style_sheet.html)

.             My presentation of facts is clear and accurate.

.             The paragraphs forming the body of my paper form a coherent and convincing argument.

.             Transitions between paragraphs are smooth.

.             My paper demonstrates the relationship between particular historical events and larger issues and historical trends.

.             My conclusion restates the most important aspects of my argument.

.             My conclusion suggests the broader significance of my paper.

 

 

-       Be sure you have a clear, disputable thesis that is supported with

     evidence and developed throughout the paper.
-   Choose a title that makes clear what the paper's argument

     will be and attempts (perhaps) to intrigue your readers.

-   Use your conclusion to extend your argument. To answer the

      question "So what?"

-       Always  write in complete sentences.

-       When possible, write in the active voice. For EX: "FDR launched the attack," NOT "The attack was launched by FDR."

-       Review  for clarity. Give the paper to someone NOT in this class to read before you revise it. If they cannot understand your argument or its supporting evidence, you need to rework your paper.

-       DO NOT PROCRATINATE and attempt to turn in something you throw together the night before.

-       Proofread your paper for grammatical errors.

 

CITATIONS:

You must cite your sources. NO EXCEPTIONS. Plagiarism is a serious violation of expected academic conduct.  Your work must be your own.  If you quote or paraphrase work from someone else, you must give credit and provide a reference for that source.  Links to guidelines on plagiarism, including the official policy on academic honesty, can be found on the following webpage: http://www.umass.edu/history/links_writing.html.  The penalty for plagiarism on this assignment is zero credit .

 

 

 


[1] "The Crisis Mr. Faubus Made," Arkansas Gazette, Sept. 4, 1957. Accessed April 2, 2004. Available from http://www.ardemgaz.com/prev/central/wgaz04.html.

[2]  Melba Beals, Warriors Don't Cry. (New York, NY: Washington Square Press, 1994). p. 308.