HIST 1700, Writing Assignment #2
The purpose of these writing assignments is to provide you a chance to look at or think of history in different terms.  I have given you two options for the second Writing Assignment. Please pick whichever one interests you the most. Each writing assignment is unique, but generally speaking each one should be at least 2-3 pages double spaced and should cite all information using Chicago Style Citations (when appropriate).
OPTION #1: Video Response to “Indian Warriors: The Untold Story of the Civil War.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RGbYOdNcFw{C}{C}{C}
For this assignment, you will be writing a reactionary piece to the video (45 minutes) entitled“Indian Warriors: The Untold Story of the Civil War.” I am not looking for a chronological summary of what happens in the movie. Instead, I want you to talk about the ways in which this episode does or does not enhance our understanding of American Indian history in the United States. Consider the ways in which the video portrays American Indians and whether or not that fits into what we have been learning in class. Below are a number of questions for you to consider as you watch.
Paragraph 1:
{C}·      {C} What did you observe about the event or person/people in the video?
{C}·      {C}What did you notice in the video that really surprised, stunned, or interested you?
Paragraph 2:
{C}·      {C}What emotional reaction did you have to this video and why? (It’s ok if you didn’t have one)
{C}·      {C}What did you learn about the topic from this video that you did not know before? (I would say aim for at least 2-3 specifics)
Paragraph 3:
{C}·      {C}Is there anything missing from the video that you think would help you better understand the event?
{C}·      {C}What role did American Indians play in the Civil War and what did the Civil War mean to them?
OPTION #2: Article Response
Drew Gilpin Faust’s article “Altars of Sacrifice: Confederate Women and the Narratives of War” is a fascinating account of the role that Confederate Women played in the Civil War. Please read through her article and provide the following:
Paragraph 1:
{C}·      {C}Provide a brief summary of the article (5-7 sentences)
Paragraph 2:
{C}·      {C}What do you think her argument is?
{C}·      {C}What kind of evidence does she use?
Paragraph 3:
{C}·      {C}What surprised you about the article?
{C}·      {C}Do you agree with her argument?
{C}·      {C}After reading her article, what role do you think women played in the American Civil War?