Second Paper

History 180: History of the American West I

Second Paper: 6-8 pages.

Due: November 20, 2000

Papers should be carefully proofread for typos, spelling errors, and grammatical mistakes. They should be double-spaced, 12-point font, with 1-inch margins all around. Do not use folders or binders. A simple, cheap staple is perfect. You must include your name, the date, and the name of the course, and number the pages. You must also give your paper a title that gives your reader a good idea of its contents and purpose.

If you have any questions, I strongly recommend that you come see me well before the paper is due.

Option (A)

You are the new curator in a local California museum. The museum is preparing a display for the 150th anniversary of California Statehood. The board of directors is somewhat sceptical (the museum has never done this before), so you will need to submit a request in writing (this paper) for their approval. Your paper will need to include:

Historical background.
What exactly is the display going to be about? What years will it cover, and why? What makes this particular topic important enough to share with the public?
Themes of the display.
What "messages" do you want to present to the audience? What are the 3 main ideas you want them to take away? Why?
Artifacts that you plan to use (feel free to borrow from other museums).
You will need to pick 4-6 artifacts (physical objects of some kind) that you will use to illustrate the historical background and themes. What artifacts would you like to include? Why? How do they relate to the themes?
Captions.
How will you label each artifact? Something like "Indian Basket, c. 1840" is not enough. Your labels should also explain to the audience how the artifact fits into the (hi)story that you are telling, and how it relates to the overall themes of the exhibit.
Atmosphere.
What sort of experience do you want visitors to have (sad, thoughtful, angry, playful, patriotic...) and why? How might you encourage this sort of audience reaction? (Possibilities would include things like music, lighting, hands-on-activities, number of people allowed in at a time, etc.) It might be worth considering who your audience might be -- children, teenagers, adults, a mixed crowd, etc.
Bibliography.

What sources did you use to produce this proposal?

If illustrations or maps would be helpful, please feel free to include them. They should be neat, easy to read, and clearly labeled. They will not count toward the page total, but they will count towards the overall grade of the paper.

Note that the paper does not have to be organized in the order laid out here. You can organize it anyway that you think will be effective. For example, would it be better to describe the expedition before explaining why the government would have an interest in funding you, or after? However, regardless of how you organize this paper, you must address each of these topics somewhere.

Option (B)

You are an explorer seeking funding for an expedition to the American Southwest from either the Spanish or United States government in the late 1700s-early 1800s (no later than 1821). Your paper will take the form of a grant application, in which you will need to provide the following:

Background of the project.
Why is this expedition necessary or desirable? What purpose will it serve? What needs will it address? (Keep in mind that this is a historical expedition, not a modern one.)
Sense of historical context.
Why should the government fund your expedition? What is going on at the time that might color officials' perception of your proposal? When is the expedition planned for, and why?
Description of project.
Where do you intend to go, and why? What sorts of supplies, personnel, funding, training, etc. are needed to make this expedition a success? How much time do you think you will need to complete the project? (If you were writing a real grant proposal you'd also include an estimate of costs here, but this is not required for this paper.)
Bibliography.
What sources did you use to produce this proposal?

As was the case for Option A, the organization is up to you.

Option (C)

You may, if you wish, pursue a topic of your own choosing. If you choose to do this, you will need to turn in a written, one-page proposal by November 1st. This option is contingent on my approval, so you need to convince me that:

1) The topic is appropriate for this course.
2) This topic will allow you to consider relevant issues in ways not possible in Option A or B.

3) You will incorporate historical analysis and demonstrate awareness of historical events, trends, and issues. A willingness to consider historiographical issues is desirable, but not essential.

4) You have access to the materials and information needed to support your thesis.

5) You have thought about this topic sufficiently to make your final effort a success.

First Drafts

I am willing to read first drafts and discuss them with you. However, there are three caveats:

1) Such drafts need to be proofread for typos, grammar, spelling, etc. so I can focus my attention on your argument.
2) You must make an appointment to discuss the paper with me.

3) Following my advice is not a guarantee of an improved grade.

(It is likely that your final paper will be better, but it is also possible that a new set of problems might be added in the process of correcting the errors in the rough draft.)

First drafts will not be accepted after November 10th.