instruction attached
American Identities
Essay #2
Purpose of Assignment:
To develop your ability to read documents closely
To hone your skills at thoughtful critical analysis of the text
To improve your ability to focus on important details in the text
To develop your ability to understand the text’s main ideas and perspective
To learn to discern connections between abstract ideas and lived experience
To develop an appreciation of the messiness of the US historical narrative
To understand how American ideals and values affect life in the US
To develop your writing skills
What you need to do:
Read the “Declaration of Independence” closely.
Write an essay about three or more of the values and ideals that are
expressed in the “Declaration of Independence” and how those values and ideals
are reflected in US society today. Some of the ideals and values are explicitily
stated and supported by evidence and arguments. Other values are declared self-
evident.
State clearly the values or ideals you are discussing, and how they are
explained or clarified in the “Declaration of Independence.” Discusss how those
values are reflected in social, political, or economic aspects of life in the US today.
Keep your essay short, say no more than five pages. Cite your sources. This
essay will be reviewed by one or more of your classmates (peer-reviewed), so take
a copy to your mentor session next week. Please also upload a copy to the D2L
Assignments folder no later than Thursday of week the essay is due.