This class has the book John Brown’s Raid on Harper’s Ferry by Jonathan Earle assigned as a secondary reader. We use this book to learn how to interpret primary documents, assess evidence, think critically, and write effectively.
The central idea I want you to examine as you read this book is the following: Was John Brown a terrorist?
I have provided essay prompts that you should follow for credit. Pay attention to the guidelines for each, particularly as it relates to length and where students should get their supporting information. The entire project should be 1200-1800 words.
Consider the following prompts mini-essay questions. That means I expect multiple paragraphs for each question in most instances. (Each paragraph has a topic sentence, supporting details, and a transitional or concluding statement) Please answer each of these questions using formal writing. In short, this means proper grammar, spelling, and word choice. (Note: I reserve the right to orally quiz you over your paper for any reason. If your response does not meet my expectation you will receive a zero for the paper)
1. Explain the how John Brown became a radical abolitionist. What experiences put him on this path? Please provide at least three examples from the book. Please use quotes sparingly if at all. I will count off for any LONG quotes (longer than 3 sentences). (15%)
2. What was John Brown’s plan and what steps did he take toward action? Consider actions BEFORE Harper’s Ferry for most of your response. Please provide at least three different examples from the book, two of which MUST come from “documents” section of the book. You should use a short quote for each example. . I will count off for any LONG quotes (longer than 3 sentences). (15%)
3. Explain ways in which John Brown was a terrorist. Please provide at least three different examples from the book, two of which MUST come from “documents” section of the book. You should use a short quote for each example. I will count off for any LONG quotes (longer than 3 sentences). (30%)
4. Explain ways in which John Brown was NOT a terrorist. Please provide at least three different examples from the book, two of which MUST come from “documents” section of the book. You should use a short quote for each example. I will count off for any LONG quotes (longer than 3 sentences). (30%)
5. Do you think John Brown was a terrorist? Why or why not? (I really want your opinion here. Think about what evidence you found most compelling and use it to justify your response. You may paraphrase or use very short quotes. However, quotations might not be useful here unless it really proves your point) (10%)
a). Also include the following in your conclusion:
i. How did the reading change the way in which you understood the subject?
ii. How are the issues presented in the reading still relevant to you today? Please
explain how your personal background and life experiences might influence your
perspective on this topic.
iii. Imagine that you have been asked to tackle a current national or global issue.
How would you use the reading to help you do so?
1. The best evidence in this book comes from the primary documents that come after the summary of John Brown and the raid. I expect your data to come mainly if not exclusively from these documents. (NOT THE SUMMARY OF THESE DOCUMENTS The summary of the documents are in italics immediately before the actual primary source. In other words, if you choose to use Pottawatomie Creek then I want the actual testimony of Mrs. Doyle or Mrs. Wilkinson instead of Jonathan Earle’s summary)
2. I am not all that interested in his business interests, love life, children, etc. unless such evidence can legitimately aid your argument.
3. This is formal writing. That means proper grammar and spelling. It also means proper format. You need an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph needs to have a topic sentence with supporting details that speak back to that topic sentence. All paragraphs at some level need to speak back to your thesis. Students that turn in work with multiple spelling and/or grammar mistakes will only receive marginal credit. Don’t be lazy. Proofread.
a. Please make sure your paragraphs are not overly long. Do not be afraid to break them up.
4. Citations: I do not expect plagiarism to be a problem in this class. However, students need to understand what a paraphrase is and how to cite it.
a. A quotation is when you take evidence and wording directly from a source and put it in quotation marks. This needs a proper citation.
b. A paraphrase is when you take something from a source that is not common knowledge and put it in your own words. This also needs a proper citation