Vetock: Writing Assignments

Essay #3 allows you to explore the A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn in a deeper context. Zinn addresses many issues and topics, but now you can form an educated argument of your own:

• What does thinking and talking about U.S. history mean for us today?
• Ideas can range from the text itself to themes in today's world
• You'll provide a focus or a thesis on this topic arguing for meaning 

Research doesn't have to be scary if you follow these steps:

• Define your topic
• Explore and find early research library resources in books and articles
• Cite at least 4 resources

• aspects of Zinn's rhetoric or published criticism, pro or con
• literary perspective analysis
• historical value of the text or accuracy
• particular person, event, or theme analysis
• a cultural approach (Confederate flag, book banning, NFL kneeling, cancel culture)
• psychological or educational approaches (education, book banning, AP placement)
• political viewpoints (voting laws or process, gerrymandering, immigration)
• racism/ethnic oppression or critical race theory or equal rights
• scientific or healthcare related approaches
• religious aspects (separation of church/state)
• any ideas of your own approved by your instructor