RAP: Revolution Analysis Project
Introduction
During the Puritan project, we focused on finding, comprehending, and evaluating sources. The next step in a research project is to use those sources to generate an idea-- a thesis-- on a topic, and to use specific evidence from sources to support that thesis. In this project, you'll select a theme and explore that theme in reading, lectures, and discussion. You'll find quotes from the reading that could help you articulate your own statement-- a thesis-- on the role of that theme in the American Revolution.
Process
Choose one of the themes below. It might be useful to pick one or two themes right away (you can always change your selection), and focus on that theme over the next few weeks. In your journal and in your annotations, be on the lookout for these themes as they arise both in reading and in class.
In order to explore your theme, you will need to read beyond assigned readings-- either by looking at materials on the Revolution in Social Justice and Reasoning in Democratic Values, or by using resources in the library and Facts on File. As you read, think about what these sources show about the role of your theme in the American Revolution. Try to read insightfully to move beyond simple cause-and-effect explanations.
Along the way, keep track of potentially useful quotes that apply to your theme in your journal or in a separate document in your folder or on the server. To develop your ideas about the theme's significance, think about how the quotes you have gathered are connected. What do they have in common? What larger idea do they lead you to believe about your theme? Where might you look for additional evidence that supports that developing idea?
You will have some time in the library to conduct research and look for useful sources, but you will also need to work outside of school to continue that research. We will spend time in class working in groups and on your own to develop your evidence (quotes you have found) into thesis statements.
Be curious. Delve deeply and widely in your research. Discuss your ideas with others. The more excited you become about your project, the more you will learn and the stronger your research skills will become!
Topics/Events:
· Race
· Role of Women
· Class
· Wealth
· Political Power and Representation
· Rebellion
· Individual Freedom
· Mercantilism/Trade
· The Enlightenment
· Your Own Theme—see your teacher early on to discuss!
Outcomes:
For your final project, you'll turn in an abstract-- a written explanation-- of the paper you would write to develop your explanation of the theme's significance. You'll title your abstract the way you would title the paper itself, and you will include at least four quotes that would help develop and defend your thesis. Here are some details on each of these pieces:
An abstract of the essay. An abstract is a brief summary of an academic paper or thesis that explains the paper's purpose. An abstract is also sometimes called a "synopsis." Your abstract should be a developed paragraph that's about a full double-spaced, typed page. You may choose to use parts of your quotes to help you explain in your abstract what your essay would look like. Be sure to include a creative title for your abstract.
At least four to six quotations, with analysis, from at least three sources. These are the quotes that you would use to develop the argument you explained in your abstract. You will analyze the quotes to show your thinking about how these quotes are related to your overall theme. Avoid using quotes that simply summarize events or present commonly accepted facts. Look instead for quotes that present insightful perspectives or interpretations. Include the name of the author and the title of the source after each quote.
--To format your quotes, give each quote a number, followed by the quote itself, followed by your analysis written in a double-spaced paragraph.
An annotated bibliography of at least three sources.
The reason for requiring so few sources is that you should read each source thoroughly. In your annotations for each source, explain how that specific source deepened your understanding about your theme and how that source connects to your other sources. ***Also, in your annotations, be sure to explain which of your quotations came from that source.
Deadlines:
Wednesday, 1/14: in class, be prepared to announce the theme you have chosen
Tuesday, 1/27: you will turn in your annotated bibliography
(OPTIONAL: on Tuesday, 1/27 you can submit two quotations+analysis for feedback)
Friday, 2/6: Final RAP project due.
Your abstract, quotations, and bibliography should be on separate sheets of paper, each with a proper heading, all stapled together.