Journal Instructions: These May Not Be Older Than Six Months

Journal Instructions These May Not Be Older Than Six Months And Must Be

Journal Instructions These May Not Be Older Than Six Months And Must Be

These instructions specify that students are required to find a recent news article (published within the last six months) from a legitimate news source (excluding Wikipedia and History.com) that discusses a historical topic previously covered in class. The article must focus on a historical event or person that has been part of classroom discussions. The discussion could be a straightforward historical recount or use the historical topic to support an argument about a current event, but the core focus must be on the historical subject itself. The author of the article should be the one making the connection to the historical topic, not the student. To locate suitable articles, students are encouraged to perform a Google News search using relevant keywords related to the historic topic discussed in class, utilizing the News filter to ensure current news coverage. Only articles that meet these criteria should be selected for reflection or analysis.

Paper For Above instruction

The purpose of this assignment is to analyze how recent news articles utilize historical topics to shed light on contemporary issues. This approach encourages students to understand the continuity and relevance of history in shaping modern society and current events. The emphasis is on selecting recent, credible news sources that connect historical occurrences or figures previously covered in class with present-day debates, policies, or societal challenges.

In our current context, the historical period of the Reconstruction era (1865–1877) is particularly relevant because it has significantly influenced current race relations and political dynamics in the United States. Understanding how Reconstruction reshaped political alliances, social structures, and racial policies provides insight into ongoing systemic issues. For instance, recent news articles that discuss policies affecting racial justice, voting rights, or civil rights often draw parallels to the Reconstruction period or reference its legacy to contextualize contemporary struggles. By analyzing such articles, students can see how the successes and failures of Reconstruction continue to influence American society.

Another pertinent historical era is the Gilded Age (approximately 1870s to 1900), which saw rapid industrialization and significant political changes. Articles about contemporary economic policies, labor movements, or corporate influence on politics can be connected back to the Gilded Age's themes of industrial growth and political power struggles. Students should aim to select articles that explicitly link these historical themes with modern events, illustrating the enduring impact of this period on America's economic and political landscape.

Through this exercise, students will develop a nuanced understanding of the timeline of American history and its ongoing influence, fostering analytical skills in interpreting current events through a historical lens. This approach aligns with the learning goals of understanding the historical context of Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, as well as their lasting impact on modern America, particularly in terms of race relations and political party evolution.

References

  • Foner, E. (2014). Reconstruction: America's Unfinished Revolution, 1863–1877. Harper Collins.
  • McGirr, L. (2016). The Gilded Age: A New History. Princeton University Press.
  • Baker, A. (2023). "Recent Federal Policies and Their Roots in Reconstruction." The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com
  • Johnson, M. (2023). "How the Gilded Age Still Matters Today." The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com
  • History.com Editors. (2020). "Reconstruction." History.com. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/reconstruction
  • Blight, D. W. (2019). Race and Reunion: The Civil War in American Memory. Harvard University Press.
  • Chung, J. (2023). "The Legacy of Reconstruction in Modern America." CNN. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com
  • Irons, P. (2012). A People's History of the Civil War: Struggles for Union and Freedom. Oxford University Press.
  • Zinn, H. (2003). A People's History of the United States. HarperCollins.
  • Leibowitz, M. (2022). "Industrialization then and now: Lessons from the Gilded Age." The Economist. Retrieved from https://www.economist.com

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