For the final essay project, you can choose any specific topic from our study of American history from the Pre-Columbian era to Reconstruction. Write an essay on that topic. The essay should describe the topic and critically analyze its importance in American history and its relevance, if any, to the present.

You can use the VSCS Library site for help. There is a link to the library in our course navigation menu to the left of our home page, where there are librarians that can assist you in your research and there are subject guides that may be of assistance. You can also look at the "External Links" in Course Information for ideas.

As an example, say I found out to my surprise that one of the last states to actually eliminate slavery was New Jersey. I thought slavery was only in the South! So I want to focus on doing a project about slavery in the North.

I’ll start by coming up with a research question. Maybe something like, “What was the extent of slavery in the Northern states of the United States from the colonial era to Reconstruction?”

I’ll use that question to find out some facts about the topic. When I have several credible sources, I’ll begin by coming up with a guiding thesis sentence, perhaps along the lines of “Slavery was more widespread in the North than many people realize.” I’ll watch out for erroneous conclusions in old sources that don’t seem to be aware of how long slavery lasted in Northern states. And I’ll follow the recommendations in “Midterm and Final Exams” for writing essays. Luckily, I’ve been practicing those skills all semester. I’ll talk about various states, and I’ll look into why New Jersey hung onto slavery so long. Then I'll write a concluding paragraph summarizing my findings, my conclusion, and my own opinion on what it all means.

You can choose any topic and follow a similar plan. Maybe you want to know more about the Haudenosaunee confederacy, or women in the American Revolution, or the Whiskey Rebellion, or a certain figure in history like Joseph Warren, John Quincy Adams, Ona Judge, Sarah Bagley, Emma Willard, or the Grimke sisters. It’s up to you.