In this online class, we will be developing historical theses for both tests and discussion about our sources. You'll write a lot in this class, but you won't write any papers. All the writing is in discussion forums and in your essays on the quizzes and final exam.
In discussion forums, you’ll post good primary sources that you find yourself. Then, later in the week, each of you will choose a few of these sources and pull them together to support a statement about them. Doing this helps us practice creating a historical thesis.
Why would a poor white southerner after the Civil War be interested in joining the KKK? Answer the question with a thesis. Support your thesis with three short paragraphs, each referencing a primary source from your documents workbook or the discussion forum.
On quizzes, the answer to every essay question will be a thesis, supported by some evidence. For example, a test question might be something like: Photo credit Rose_Zhang at Flickr
Don't worry about how "good" your thesis is at first. It's a bit unnerving to post your work, get to know each other, absorb the facts, get used to the online format. But this introduction should at least let you know what I have in mind for your work, and mine, in this class.
By the end of the class, writing a thesis will be quick and easy, which will help you in all your classes, not just this one. At the same time, you'll gain understanding of historical patterns over time, because you'll be creating your own historical narrative as you work in this class. So let's get started!