Writing: I strongly encourage you to write your notes during class sessions. Many studies (Britton et al., 1975; Galbraith & Baaijen, 2018; Graham et al., 2020; Silva & Limongi, 2019) suggest that writing improves content knowledge. 

Writing also helps the learner make sense of the learned material, especially during recall moments. If you are considering a career as a teacher, instructor, or college professor, encouraging your students to write instead of type will lead to richer class conversations and more decisive critical thinking.

You can use a traditional notebook and a writing utensil, or you can use a tablet with an app like Notability, Goodnotes, OneNote, or Squid.

Attendance & Participation = Weekly Reflection
(30 points)

Discussion (Attendance and Participation): Class participation forms a key part of each student’s grade and includes both verbal and written components. Students must read for each session and come to class prepared to ask and answer questions. 

Class participation will be evaluated based on the student's contributions to the weekly class discussions. Students are expected to attend class regularly, make every effort to be on time, and remain for the entire period. The interactive lectures will not necessarily duplicate material in the textbook. Instead, it will be a foundation for synthesis for your weekly reflection question.

Weekly reflections will occur after class. Your response will be posted on Blackboard by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesdays.

More than one unexcused absence will cause your discussion grade to suffer.  

Directions:

1. Read all of the following steps.

   • These directions will apply to all ten (10) reflections for HIST 203.

2. Answer the question!

3. To answer the question, construct a 3-4 paragraph response.

   • Introductory paragraph

   • "Meat and Potatoes" paragraphs (your synthesis of the question)

   • Conclusion paragraph

4. Cite the following, Chicago Manual of Style, 18th edition (click on the link to become familiar with this citation style):

   • Use of AI

   • Movies, songs, and the chapter for this week.

   • Other scholarly sources that are relevant to your answer.

5. Submit as .pdf or type your response into the text box. Please do not use Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

Faithfully following these directions and writing a compelling reflection response will earn you full credit. 

Book Review
(30 points)

Book Review: You will write a book review in HIST 203. It will consist of approximately 12oo words, double-spaced, size 12, Georgia, Arial, or Calibri font, and Chicago Manual Style, 18th citation style. It will be broken up into two parts.  Read below for specifics.

Midterm (tentatively March 17): For the midterm, you will submit responses, in class, to the following:

• How does the context of your selected text connect with what you have learned in this course?

• What is the thesis of the book?

• What is YOUR thesis of the book?

• What is the summary of the book?

Final (TBD): For the final, you will submit, via Blackboard, responses to the following:

• Your revised edits from the midterm. 

+

• What are the book's themes, methods, and/or other elements?

• How do you balance the book's strengths and weaknesses in the conclusion?

Options (pick one):

• A book of your choosing (must be verified by Dr. Ender)

• Select one book from the selections below

Digital History Narrative
(40 points) 

You will create a digital narrative that explores a significant historical event or period from 1920 to the present. You will use multimedia elements in conversation with primary sources. 

Your narrative must argue about historical change over time while demonstrating digital literacy skills.

Background Info: https://www.historians.org/community-careers/digital-history-resources/

DUE DATE: Monday, May 12, 2025, 11:59 pm, via Blackboard

1.  Project Requirements:
Content (20 points)

1. Develop a clear thesis about historical change

2. Integrate a minimum of 5 primary sources

3. Provide historical context and analysis

4. Include diverse perspectives on your chosen topic

5. Writing Length: 2,500-3,000 words

2. Digital Elements (10 points)

1. Interactive timeline

2. Minimum three historical images with analysis

3. Two audio or video primary sources

4. Data visualization (map, chart, or graph)

5. Hyperlinked citations (Chicago Manual Style, 18th)

3. Technical Specifications (10 points)

1. Platform: WordPress, Wix, or other; YouTube, Vimeo, or other

2. Mobile-responsive design

3. Accessible navigation structure

4. Proper attribution for all media

5. Working links and embedded content