What is the idea of American [the character, traits, values, beliefs] and what, if any, are the clear distinctions between your argument and the reality of the
American idea?

Note of importance: Citations are required on all written and typed responses. Please use The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) in relation to your citations. Reread the
following: Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America, J. Hector St. John Crevecoeur’s Letters from an American Farmer, ″What is an American?” Frederick Douglass: The
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave.″ Essay Question Using the above authors as the foundation of your argument, (and/or any additional
sources directly related from this class), construct an essay that addresses the following: What is the idea of American [the character, traits, values, beliefs] and
what, if any, are the clear distinctions between your argument and the reality of the American idea? TIPS ON ESSAY WRITING: Here is what I will be looking for in your
essay answers: How well do you understand the material? An essay question usually asks you to combine information from several sources, perhaps in an unfamiliar
pattern, and then draw conclusions that may be new to you. In short, you will be constructing a historical argument to answer the question, just as you have done
throughout this Spring session. State your thesis clearly in the introduction, and be sure it answers the question being asked. How well have you organized your essay?
Support your thesis with reasons (arguments) and evidence, arranged in a logical order. Think about the question and write a brief outline before you begin the essay.
This will help you organize your thoughts, instead of just writing down ideas as they come to mind, and the result will be an organized, coherent essay. Have you
selected the most relevant material to illustrate your points? Because you have a limited amount of time, you must choose the most essential material, eliminating that
which is less important. This requires a thorough knowledge of the subject, and the ability to separate relevant from tangential information. Have you made specific
references to required readings, when appropriate? A thorough answer should make use of the assigned reading. Would we get the same answer if we walked into the
Student Center on campus and asked someone who had not attended class or done the readings? If so, then you have not demonstrated your mastery of the material. Try to
illustrate your generalizations with relevant specific examples, drawn from the lectures, discussions and readings. Remember the general rule of thumb: assume that a
moron who knows nothing about history will be reading your essay–you must explain everything and show you are the master of as much as possible. Note of importance:
Time Frames and Citations are required on all written and typed responses