-To start, please read at least FIVE of the required primary sources on Reconstruction. You may use any of the others but you will start with those that are in the LEFT column of the Primary Sources page. They cover a wide range of views and opinions and most are quite short.
-As you work, you might cut and paste material that you think is relevant to your argument onto a page of notes, but not without including the citations for the document. Use this material--you need to cite at least three of these documents to support your argument. Please do NOT assume you’ll go and do this later. Please remember that failure to cite a quoted piece of material is considered plagiarism.
-What is your argument?
-Yes to the bill for land reform?
-No to the bill for land reform?
-A modification of the bill that will make you (or others) support it? What changes might you propose? Be specific and explain your reasoning.
-Once you’ve assembled your arguments, you should organize them using an outline, mindmap, or web.
-Don’t forget to look for at least ONE piece of evidence that is not in the docs provided. You might consider any of the following to determine if they help your argument in any way:
The 1862 Homestead Act
The 1866 Homestead Act (aka Southern Homestead Act)
Federal Land Grants to Railroads in mid-19th
Sherman’s Field Orders #15
40 Acres and a Mule
pop density
50 Acres and $50
Bayley Wyat -- this is also in one of the highlighted docs
Jourdan Anderson
Map of US Population Density -1870
-Then start drafting your speech.
-Which rhetorical appeals will you use? Ethos? Pathos? Logos?
-Be sure to include a counterargument
-Keep an eye on citations Sample citations and bibliography
The most basic approach to citations, a starting point:
Author, title, publisher, date of publication
Author, title of article, (found where?--website, book, magazine, etc.)
-You’ll submit a first draft, make revisions, and then submit your final draft.