Paper Assignment

In lecture and through our SFA readings we have learned that the United States during the period 1865 to 1910 was undergoing extensive and rapid changes economically, politically, and socially. How are the parallel narratives of the life of Jurgis Rudkus in The Jungle reflective of what is going on in America during this period? Do you think people like Jurgis are truly "free" and/or "equal" or are there social and political forces that are limiting their freedom?

In writing this paper you are required to engage readings from The Jungle, DTA, as well as lecture materials. It is expected that you will prove proficiency in the course materials and demonstrate the ability to synthesize and analyze these materials in support of your thesis.

- All sources must come from the materials covered in the class - so no outside sources.

1. Use of lecture material:

Radical Republicans' plan for the South under Reconstruction was laid out in the Wade-Davis Bill. (Pettengill, 1-19-2010)

In this example you are citing the lecture by putting the last name of the instructor followed by the date the lecture was given.

2. Use of DTA material (whether it be quoted, referenced - acknowledging argument, etc. - or paraphrased:

In A Century of Dishonor, Helen Hunt Jackson believes that until they are provided with land, "idleness, improvidence, and indebtedness will be the rule" of Native American behavior. (Fernlund, 32).

In this example there is a selective use of material. It is contextualized - the author and the document from which the quote (or argument if you were to note the argument) has been introduced. The citation is properly located at the end of the sentence. Instead of citing the author of the document, you are to cite the editor of DAH - Fernlund - and the page number where we can find your quotation.

AGAIN, quote selectively. You should only quote that which is best said by the author and which both supports your argument as well as moves your paper forward.

3. Your use of Sinclair's The Jungle will follow the same model for parenthetical citation. You will cite the author and the page number upon which the cited/referenced material can be found. Ex. (Sinclair, 110)

4. If you are speaking broadly about a document from DTA - and not pointing to a specific piece of text - you should cite the pages of the document. Ex:

In A Century of Dishonor, Helen Hunt Jackson argues that the Native American has been treated unjustly by the U.S. government. She advocates property ownership as a means to integrate the Native American into U.S. society and give them the rights they are currently without. (Fernlund, 31-32)

5. You will not find a specific page(s) to identify Sinclair's argument in The Flivver King. However, it is expected that from your reading you will be able to determine what his argument is. You will be expected to articulate this argument in your paper. When you do this you are not expected to cite any page numbers. It is expected that you will introduce your statement of his argument. Ex.

In The Jungle, Upton Sinclair argues that ..........

- All citations come at the end of the sentence.

- See us (sooner rather than later) if you need guidance in focusing your paper.