Assignments

Assignments

For Graduate students only:

Write five reviews of books, approved by the instructor, on U. S. Legal and Constitutional History. They should each have 500 to 750 words (about 2-3 pages).

They should include the following information about the book: author, title, and date of original publication.

Each review should consist of three parts: a statement of the book's thesis or themes; a brief summary of the book; and a critical evaluation of the work.

In being critical of the book, consider the following: how well it is written in terms of style, clarity, and organization; how well the material is documented with citations to sources; to what extent primary sources are used; are there charts, tables, or maps that assist the reader; does the author use logical arguments and present sufficient information to prove or support the thesis; does the author appear biased and lack objectivity; does the author make a significant contribution to the scholarship in the field.

Write three reviews of books, approved by the instructor, on U. S. Legal and Constitutional History, each with 500 to 750 words, and write an essay on The Federalist on one of the following topics:

The split personality of Publius
How the Constitution mixed a national and federal government
The nature of humanity, power, and constitutionalism
Checks and balances and the "extended republic"

Any other topic must be approved by the instructor.

The paper should have around 1500-2000 words (about 5-8 pages), and include a title; an introduction, with a clear statement of the thesis or themes; the development of an argument or demonstration supported by references, quotations, or examples; and a conclusion. You may place The Federalist essay number and page number citation in parenthesis at the end of a sentence or paragraph. In your first citation, include the edition of The Federalist you are using. If it is an internet source, give the internet address.

Quotations are optional. You should use them to support a point you are making or for stylistic purposes. You do not have to put quotes in the paper to show that you have read the material.

The essays will be graded on formal style and language. Do not use abbreviations or contractions. Do not use slang. Avoid writing in first person. Be sure to proofread them for misspelling.

Turn in the essays by email. See the Dates page for the due dates.