This assignment is designed to assess the following Student Learning Outcome:Critically compare and contrast opposing claims regarding the same fact or hypothesis, when the various sides are credible according to discipline-specific indicators of authority.This essay assignment (2-3 pages) is intended to foster your information and data literacy by asking you to compare and contrast an author’s argument about an historical figure or trend that differs from prior interpretations and assumptions discuss in Spring, J. (2018). The American school, a global context: From the Puritans to the Trump Era. McGraw-Hill Higher Education. It is important to also reflect on whether the author’s argument might challenge your own conceptions of the past.You must choose one of the following articles below:Harlan, L. R. (1971). The secret life of Booker T. Washington. The Journal of Southern History, 37(3), 393-416Preview the document.Vinovskis, M. A. (1992). Schooling and poor children in 19th-century America. American Behavior Scientist 35 (3), pp. 313-331.Preview the documentTolley, K. (1996). Science for ladies, classics for gentlemen: A comparative analysis of scientific subjects in the curricula of boys’ and girls’ secondary schools in the United States, 1794-1850. History of Education Quarterly 36(2), 129-153.Preview the documentA successfully written paper will require you to:Conduct a close reading of the article, keep detailed notes on the author’s thesis, and sources of evidence. For example, you should note what types of evidence is provided and from what types of sources (primary sources).You also must compare and contrast the author’s claims with others found in the textbook. How does the author’s argument challenge other scholarly views? How does the authors’ argument challenge your own perceptions of the past?Evaluate the creditability of the sources used by the author. Do these sources directly or indirectly support the author’s claim? Is the evidence factual or speculative? Does the evidence support other interpretations?Take a position on the author’s claim based on your evaluation of evidence and your interpretation of the evidence.It may be helpful to formulate your own argument (thesis statement) before drafting your paper. However, if you find writing up a draft first helps you organize your ideas and critique, make sure you formulate your thesis and rework the draft so the reader clearly understands your position.Information and data literacy skills will also be required of your term paper, so this is a great opportunity for your instructor to provide you with feedback on your growth in this area.Download/Preview the rubric for this assignment.Preview the document
