Assignment

Pick a specific topic (event, a historical figure, an organization, etc.) from Elizabeth Martinez' 500 Years of Chicano History and write a paper on it. Most of the paper should be research on this topic but at least a page should be dedicated to making a meaningful connection to the present. Research on this topic must include texts and academic journal articles. Research should reveal more detail regarding background, historical context, statistics, institutions, groups, figures, leaders, antagonists, dates, events, outcomes, etc.. Write a well-developed thesis statement weaving together the parts (subtopics) of your paper and its present meaning. Towards the end of the paper, utilize arguments from Arizona Republican politicians to anticipate challenges to your thesis, and develop a counter-argument against this (one paragraph).

Things to think about: Why were you moved to pick this topic? Why was it interesting to you? What lessons does your topic teach? Why is this information important in the present? Is the historical moment/topic particularly relevant to a present day social issue or event? Does your topic remind you of an actual experience, a personal experience, or a person (or political figure) in the present?

You may explain this relevance or meaning in your conclusion. In your introduction or conclusion, consider using dichos, quotes, personal experience or song lyrics to illustrate your thesis or a particular point.

4 pp (minimum)
12 font, Times
Works Cited (5 sources minimum).