History

To what extent did civilizations represent “progress” in comparison with earlier Paleolithic and Neolithic societies? And in what ways did they constitute a setback for humankind?

Step 01: Professor’s Instructions Please take a moment to watch these instructions from your Professor on the Oral History Project.  You can also click on the above link to access the instructions. Link to video: https://dcccd.yuja.com/V/Video?v=1396824&node=5172090&a=1985773766&autoplay=1  Step 02: Select an Interview to Watch Imagine you are a historian asked to interview Jewish survivors about their experiences of the Holocaust.  Try to imagine you are an oral historian interviewing these individuals about their memories of surviving the concentration camps during World War II. Consider what kind of questions might have been asked, in order to get them to share their stories. Since there are thousands of Holocaust interviews in the Shoah Foundation archive, I have narrowed this down to four pre-selected interviews for you to choose from. Please select ONE interview out of the pre-selected interviews to watch.  You will use this video to complete the Post-Interview Essay in Step 03. *Note: Imagine you are the person interviewing these subjects.  Take notes on what stories or interesting details they share in their interview.  What are you reacting to? Interview #01: Survivor: Paula Biren “Baluty” Paula Biren, who is from Poland, shares memories of attending a special high school within the Lodz ghetto and working for a Jewish women’s police force there, including one night in which she helped take in a peddler for likely deportation. LINK TO VIDEO https://dcccd.yuja.com/V/Video?v=1396091&node=5170097&a=1773775769&autoplay=1  Interview #02: Survivor: Ada Lichtman “The Merry Flea” Ada Lichtman, from Poland, recalls how she was forced to clean dolls taken from Jewish children to prepare them for Germans to give to their own offspring. LINK TO VIDEO: https://dcccd.yuja.com/V/Video?v=1396220&node=5170424&a=1904350417&autoplay=1 Interview #03: Survivor: Hanna Marton “Noah’s Ark” Hanna Marton remembers being part of a convoy of Hungarian Jews saved by Rezso Kasztner. Kasztner negotiated with Adolf Eichmann to secure safe passage for almost 1,700 Jews. After the war, he was both branded a collaborator and criticized for not warning others. LINK TO VIDEO: https://dcccd.yuja.com/V/Video?v=1396202&node=5170378&a=973802811&autoplay=1  Interview #04: Survivor: Ruth Elias “The Hippocratic Oath” Ruth Elias was eight months pregnant when she ended up at Auschwitz. She soon gave birth with Dr. Josef Mengele dictating what would happen to her and her baby. LINK TO VIDEO: https://dcccd.yuja.com/V/Video?v=1396180&node=5170324&a=943107387&autoplay=1 Step 03: Post Reflection Essay Directions: After you have listened to the interview you selected, please complete the POST-INTERVIEW REFLECTION ESSAY.  *Note: Please answer the questions in essay format Format: Please type and double-space your report, using 12-point Times New Roman or Arial font only.  Please carefully proofread your work and write in good, clear prose, using a more FORMAL register (scholarly) tone in your writing.    After conducting the interview, students will compose and submit a Reflection Paper that addresses the following:   1) Discuss the impact, change or effect that the interview had on your knowledge or understanding of the historical period experienced by the interviewee.  Give specific examples. 2) Prior to the interview being conducted, what was your understanding of how scholars create historical narratives?  Explain how your experience of watching the interview altered or influenced that understanding. 3) Describe what you have learned from the interview about how the contributions of one individual can impact the well-being of various communities such as a neighborhood, school, church, town/city, state, and/or nation.  Explain how this project has impacted your understanding of the importance of becoming involved in order to make life better for you and those around you. 4) Identify examples from the interviewee’s experiences that illustrate challenging ethical decisions they faced and their efforts to find a solution.  Discuss how you might deal with a similar situation and what impact you think this might have on the fundamental principles that guide you in life. Your analysis should follow MLA guidelines and meet the standards of a college-level writing assignment: Academic prose, correct spelling, and proper punctuation.

Cattle mutilations Please note assignment has two separate questions and are to be answered as such. 1. Farm animals die all the time and in most of these incidents, there are clear and understandable reasons for this.  Old age, accidents, disease, attacks from other animals and a host of other causes are the normal reasons why cows, horses, sheep and every other farm animal goes from being alive to being dead.  Sad, but nothing mysterious. What happens to our perspective on the normal when things don’t happen the way that we expect them to?  In the case of Snippy the horse, however, death was apparently most unusual.  And, a bunch of later and seemingly similar gruesome animal deaths seemed to indicate that Snippy’s demise was not a singular event. For those alive at this time, there was an actual fear of what was happening to these poor animals and the national media became actively involved, as did the FBI and the federal government. But let’s ignore, for the purposes of this question, any logical or rational explanations that you might have come to agree with after reading the information in this unit and instead examine how these deaths made the move (in the mind of the scared public) from prosaic death and into the realm of truly mysterious and even diabolical.  In the information provided (or any outside sources that you may have looked at), how do you think that the evidence allowed for otherwise rationale individuals to conclude that aliens, black helicopters, cults or Satan worshippers were the actual instigators of these horrible events.  What I am basically asking if how we (meaning, those who bought into the darker explanations) went from a dead horse to alien organ harvests transported to rural fields in black CIA helicopters?  Why do people grab onto such seemingly bizarre explanations?  Or perhaps I should ask you are there some “triggers” that make people make this jump?  What was it about the Snippy case or any of the later ones that caused these “explanations” to be offered?  And believed?  Are there certain “facts” from the incident that moves what would be a normal explanation into the realm of the paranormal? And, I am also curious if you think that the so-called logical explanations make sense to you?  Do you think that there actually might be something very strange going on here??? 2. When it comes to many of the more well-known cattle mutilations, connections have been made with aliens, mysterious cults, Satan-worshippers and even the always-terrifying black government helicopters. So what is it about Snippy and the other unfortunate animals that seemed to bring in these other basically unrelated phenomena? Do you think that it is because the events were so horrible and strange that surely, something mysterious must have been involved?  Or, do you think that we naturally try to draw connections when we are confused and have to come up with something that answers the question, no matter how odd it might actually be?  What was it about these incidents that made the inclusion of other seemingly unrelated phenomena to be offered as part of the explanation? If Snippy was found, say, 100 years ago, how do you think the investigation and explanations might have turned out?  Is there something important about the modern time period – or more specifically, the 1970s – that might have turned people’s attention to unusual or mysterious explanations than perhaps another time?  Why black helicopters?  Can you think of any mysterious creatures from folklore or the past that are like these sinister vehicles?  Are black helicopters just a new version of an old mysterious entity that has inhabited our culture for centuries? (this one may take a little research, but I bet many of you can think of examples without outside sources).  What does this tell us about the reality of these ominous aircraft? *Use the following links/resources to answer the above questions. Answers should be no less than 500 words for each, include appropriate citations and be free from grammatical errors.* https://www.crystalinks.com/animal_mutilation.html http://coloradorestlessnative.blogspot.com/2008/09/cattle-mutilation-cults-and-copters.html http://www.zetatalk.com/theword/tworx112.htm http://skepdic.com/cattle.html

A child in the Land of Bones – surely the bogyman does exist. How else to explain what happened to Loung Ung in her five-year journey through the Killing Fields of Cambodia? And, of course, we always remember that Loung at the start of this narrative – Year Zero, the forced expulsion of nearly the entire population of Phnom Penh, which was about 2.5 million people – was five years old. By any reckoning, little Loung should not to have survived and simply been another silent victim added to an estimated 2 million killed in the Cambodian Genocide – that’s roughly a quarter of the population in 1970. So, a child in the middle of a political science experiment in social engineering can, perhaps, better explain some of the great issues of the last decades of the 20th century – the dynamics of extreme ideologies, total and absolute power, race and racism, and survival in a society that has completely collapsed – than a handful of political scientists or specialists in Southeast Asian history. Long before The Walking Dead, The Living Dead, The Book of Eli, Night of the Living Dead, Terminator, and other apocalyptic films burst on the scene, little five-year old Luong had walked through the Valley of Death, haunted by red-eyed bodiless witches – the Eaters of the Dead – and emerged as a frail ten-year old child aged beyond her years but, nonetheless, a survivor. Based on your knowledge, what were three significant events that contributed to Loung Ung’s survival? Explain and be very specific.

How would you describe the impact of mass incarceration and criminalization of African American life in the society?  Do you think this is a problem for those around you and in the society in general? What solutions do you think are possible? This is your opinion, and so there is not one right answer.

How strongly does technological change shape historical change? This is quite a tough question because of how broad both technological and historical change are. Let’s start with terms: ‘historical change’ is the more complicated; it can cover social, political, cultural and other broad trends. ‘Technological change’ I think is more straightforward. When ever you answer an essay question pay attention to the keywords. In addition to the two changes, it is asking about how ‘strong’ the connection is between them. So you are going to make and defend a statement about that connection and how strong it is. In terms of literature you should start with the key readings as well as texts mentioned in the lecture. MacKenzie and Wajcman give you the concept of ‘technological determinism’, which is the strongest, most extreme form of a connection: technological change drives (determines) changes in society over time. You would be brave (ie probably wrong) to defend technological determinism (although does Edgerton come close?). Winner on the other hand argues that some technologies powerfully shape social/political choices (think of the implications of his bridges case study). But how generalisable or common are Winner-type cases? In this essay you need to strike a balance: you do not have space to summarise all of historical change, obviously. But on the other hand one or even a handful of cases are not going prove a general point.  So I would approach this by making a series of general points in support of your overall argument, and in each case briefly offer (with good historical references!) cases which illustrate the point. In terms of further literature, you can look at the references in each of the key readings, you can find and use other good general accounts of the the technology/society relationship (for example, David Nye, Technology Matters, or Leo Marx and Merritt Roe Smith (eds.), Does Technology Drive History? and their book reviews – searchable via www.JStor.org), and you can read and cite the papers in good history of technology journals (eg Technology and Culture).

You will do #2 and will have 4 MLA cited sources. Use as much language from this time as possible, making it seem more real. TOPIC: Automobiles The Roaring 1920’s Assessment The 1920’s was a truly exciting decade in American history — today we might say it ‘rocked;’ back then, it ‘roared.’  In all aspects of life, fashion, music, literature, sports, economics, social reform, politics, things were happening, and happening fast.  Today we have the Internet and high definition television, in the 1920s the newest technology was the radio and silent films.  People listened to the radio for music, news, and entertainment.  The radio made the world a smaller place as the country could listen to sportscasts, the president, and similar news updates.  By 1930, 40% of American households had radios (The Americans 393). For this assessment, you have 3 options to choose from to research and demonstrate your knowledge of 1920s society and culture. PIck one of the following choices. This will be worth 20 points and is due by Wed. Dec 16 (odd day) or Thurs. Dec. 17 (even day). Choice 1:  Radio Broadcast / Podcast Choose a topic (we will discuss some ideas). Examine the many different parts of your topic/event/person and analyze the issues involved. What are newsworthy stories connected to your topic? Who are the important people involved in the topic? Why is your topic/event/person influential during the 1920s? Why is that? Research a part in greater depth. Use at least 3 sources of information for your topic. Analyze your research and write a newspaper/radio article. Take on the role of a reporter and interpret the event for the public. Make it interesting, and use the slang of the time period. (at least 300-400 words…) End (or start) with a commercial for a 1920s product. Make it interesting, and use slang of the time period.  Your total broadcast should be at least 3 minutes in length. You can record in Canvas Studio. Include a works cited in correct MLA format. You should use at least 3 sources (one may be your book!) Choice 2: Newspaper Article Choose a topic (we will discuss some ideas). Examine the many different parts of your topic/event/person and analyze the issues involved. What are newsworthy stories connected to your topic? Who are the important people involved in the topic? Why is your topic/event/person influential during the 1920s? Why is that? Research a part in greater depth. Analyze your research and write a newspaper/radio article. Take on the role of a reporter and interpret the event for the public. Make it interesting, and use the slang of the time period. Use at least 3 sources of information to write the article (approximately 1 and ½ pages in length, double-spaced, 12-point font, in-text citations) that puts your spin on the event.  Include what happened, who was involved, and why it is a significant event.  This should be 400-500 words in length. Make sure you include appropriate writing conventions–paragraphs, grammar and spelling, in-text citations for your research .Be sure you use multiple sources in each paragraph with your in-text citations. Include a works cited in correct MLA format. You should use at least 3 sources (one may be your book!) Choice 3:  Journal Entry What would life have been like as a teenager or young adult in the 1920s? Pick 3 topics (we will discuss some ideas) of what would have interested you in the 1920s.  You will need to explain the characteristics of this aspect of society. Research 4-5 historical facts for each of the 3 topics, compile these 4-5 facts into a paragraph.  What are the unique characteristics of this topic? Fun-facts?? Can you discuss the historical context of at least one of your topics (did political or economic events influence this part ot 1920s society) ? Include historical details that make your research about the topic evident.  You may also add–Why did this interest you?  Make sure you include appropriate writing conventions–paragraphs, grammar and spelling,  in-text citations for your research .Use multiple sources in each paragraph with your in-text citations. Paraphrase your research as this will be submitted through Turnitin.com. The written portion should be 400-500 words in length. Include a works cited in correct MLA format. You should use at least 3 sources (one may be your book!) Standards: RH.11–12.7-P. (Reading) Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, as well as in words) in order to address a question or solve a problem. WHST.11- 12.2 (Writing) Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/ experiments, or technical processes. SS-US.9-12.14. Evaluate the impact of gender roles on economic, political, and social life in the U.S. SS-US.9-12.21-P. Analyze change, continuity and context across eras in American history. SS-US.9-12.26-P. Determine multiple and complex causes and effects of historical events in American history  SS-US.9-12.22. Evaluate the impact of inventions and technological innovations on the American society and culture. This project will be used to evaluate the Essential LifeSkills for Quarter 2. RUBRIC: Choice 1:  /12 points for content, presentation/broadcast is clear, concise, and “practiced.”   /4 Commercial:  creative, informative, relevant to time period /4 Works Cited MLA format Choice 2: /4 Society Topic #1, several details, appropriate grammar /4 Society Topic #2, several details, appropriate grammar /4 Society Topic #3, several details, appropriate grammar /4 Writing Conventions (including in-text citations!!) /4 Works Cited MLA format Choice 3: /12 points for content, numerous details, /4 Writing Conventions (including in-text citations!!) /4 Works Cited MLA format Categories: Automobiles Airplanes Fashion Harlem Renaissance Prohibition, Speakeasies, FBI Organized Crime-Gangsters Women Sports heroes Notorious trials Music Dance Fads Entertainment:  movies and theater Construction projects (stadiums, theaters)

Discuss the main idea that Professor Rosa’s discusses in her article about subjectivity. Explain why historical subjectivity can assist us in understanding historical moments.

You are to write a letter or journal/diary entry as a person who witnessed or participated in the event you chose. You are to use the researched information to persuade your audience that the impact of the chosen event is either good or bad.  Your project needs to be in a formal essay – do not list your responses after the guiding questions. Project Checklist: Make sure your project includes each item below before you submit it; missing items may cause your project to be reassigned. A focus on only ONE of the events on page 2. Research from 2 reliable sources. An introduction and conclusion. A 4-5 complete sentence paragraph response for each body paragraph required (listed under the topic list). Final word count should be between 450-550 words minimum for the whole project.  An MLA heading placed before your introduction paragraph. In-text citations where researched information is used in the project. Correct voice in the writing. You must write a journal/diary entry or letter as a person who witnessed or participated in the event. A properly formatted Works Cited page with both sources included. The project directions and rubric included in the final project file. Body Paragraph Content: Your project should address all 3 points below; each point is one body paragraph. Each body paragraph needs to be a minimum of 4-5 sentences, but you may write more. Explain the event as if you are there by providing historical context (background) and details about it. General items to include are: who, what, where, when, why, how. Analyze (examine) how this event/new idea is going to impact/change 2 areas of culture at that time (learning/education, class structure, citizen’s rights, government power, the economy/trade, etc.). Start with the benefits/negatives of your event; how will those change the areas of culture you chose? Evaluate (judge) how you as a citizen of that time and place view this new idea/event. What is your perspective? Explain if you believe the new idea/event is good or bad for your country and why you have that perspective. This paragraph should NOT be a restatement of #2, but include your personal perspective based on who you are writing as.

INSTRUCTIONS. 1. The paper should be typed. 2. Double-space it; 10 or 12 font size. 3. Use one inch margin space on all four sides. 4. The length of the paper should have a minimum of 7 complete pages. Maximum 9 pages. 5. You have to upload your paper on to Canvas. The file should be a pdf or WORD file. Title of file is ?Paper?. No Google or Apple file. No zip folders. 6. DO NOT USE QUOTES FROM THE BOOK. WRITE IN YOUR OWN WORDS. POINTS WILL BE DEDUCTED IF YOU DIRECTLY QUOTE FROM THE BOOK. 7. Answer the question completely in an essay format. Write in paragraphs. Do not number your paragraphs. 8. Organize your paper in your own style. Answer the questions in any order you like. 9. Use a spell-checker to check spellings. Points will be deducted for spelling errors. 10. I will grade your paper on your understanding of the book, demonstration of your reading through the use of multiple details and examples from the book, and your discussion. 11. The details and examples you write about should cover details from all the assigned chapters. 13. Do not hesitate to consult me while you are writing the paper. 14. I will NOT accept late submission of paper. 15. Do not email me the paper, submit it in CDs, or post it on your web site. 16. I WILL REGARD COPYING FROM CLIFF OR SPARKS NOTES AND INTERNET AS CHEATING (PLAGIARISM). DO NOT USE ANY OUTSIDE SOURCE (Books or internet) TO ANSWER THE QUESTION. IT WILL RESULT IN A F GRADE FOR THE ASSIGNMENT. QUESTION: (Part 1 and Part 2) You should write both Parts as ONE PAPER in ONE pdf or WORD File. Part 1 (5 pages minimum) You would have read that Frederick Douglass was born a slave in an isolated Maryland plantation and then escaped. He traveled extensively in the North and abroad and became a prominent abolitionist. He counseled President Lincoln during the Civil War and influenced some of his decisions. What enabled Frederick Douglass to escape from slavery? In answering this, you should include all the significant people, experiences, incidents and books that created a desire in him to escape and gave him the ability to do so. You should also explain HOW these factors influenced him. Once Douglass escaped he joined up with abolitionists in the North and became a prominent abolitionist. What role did he play in the abolitionist movement in the U.S. and abroad? You should also discuss his introduction to the world of abolitionists, his extensive work as an abolitionist at home and abroad, and his views on the purchase of his freedom. You should discuss his views on the Constitution. You should further include in your answer his views on the Civil War, on Abraham Lincoln, and his work in the Civil War. Part 2: (2 pages minimum) Listen or read the transcript of historian Eric Foner’s interview in the NPR program. What similarities do you see between Douglass’ experiences and the experiences that Professor Foner discussed. According to Foner what reasons did slaves give for wanting to escape? What estimate did Foner give for the number of slaves who escaped through New York city? What is Foner’s opinion on the importance of the Fugitive Slave Act? What is the source of the information in Foner’s book ?Gateway to Freedom? and who found it? ss-on-the-underground-railroad