13 Mar History is the process of understanding texts and their contexts. We learn about history through the documents and artifacts left by those who came before us
Assignment Overview
History is the process of understanding texts and their contexts. We learn about history through the documents and artifacts left by those who came before us. The historical essays in this course provide the opportunity to analyze a variety of primary source documents in order to engage with the context of key historical figures. This first essay is part of a workshop on how to approach primary source documents; you will engage the Atlanta Compromise Speech by Booker T. Washington and The Souls of Black Folk by W. E. B. DuBois in order to explore the social dynamics in the South during the era of Reconstruction.
Assignment Instructions
Review the Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois presentation (opens in a new window on YouTube).
Read the following without taking any notes,
Atlanta Compromise Speech (1895) [DOWNLOAD], a speech given by Booker T. Washington to white leaders in the South.
Excerpts from The Souls of Black Folk [DOWNLOAD].
Go through the documents again, this time inserting observations, questions, and insights that occur to you while you are reading. These insertions can be made in the text itself (use a different color) or as inserted comments in the margins. This is a preliminary ‘go through,’ so don’t worry about making it perfect or terribly sophisticated. Just make your comments intelligible to another reader. Try to focus your analysis on understanding rather than morally judging.
Go through the document one more time, inserting even more observations, questions, and insights.
Now, answer the following questions, each in one solid paragraph. This is not to be an exhaustive analysis. While you should write with good composition, clear ideas, and using specific examples, you are not expected to develop a full-fledged thesis paper with intro, body, and conclusion.
Summarize the key points of Washington’s speech.
Summarize the key contentions of DuBois’ criticisms of Washington.
Summarize DuBois’ arguments about how African-Americans in particular, and the South in general, should address the problems faced by Southern African-Americans.
Evaluate the positions of the two men by defending one position as better than the other. As you do this, though, keep in mind the particular historical context of the time and the different situations Northern blacks faced as compared to Southern blacks.
In what ways can we take wisdom from either one or both of these writers to address problems connected with disadvantaged communities in our present-day society?
Assignment Requirements
900-1,200 word paper
Times New Roman, 12-point font and double spaced
Cite course resources in proper APA formatting
Communicate with clarity and coherence
Minimal spelling, punctuation, and capitalization errors
Note: This assignment will be checked for plagiarism. Always review the University’s Academic Integrity Policy statement regarding plagiarism.
