Your essay should be 4-6 pages in length, double-spaced. Due to the fact that the exam does not involve research outside of the course readings, we will use parenthetical citations. E.g. (Mintz, 82). For option two of the final exam, you will have the opportunity to select your own historical document that had an impact, positive or negative, on the children who grew up during that time. Your document could be a letter, video, game, book, toy, etc.
Then, develop your essay around the two parts listed below.
Part One: If you select this option, part one of your essay is a description of this document to me. What does artifact/document look like? When was it created, and for what purpose? Who might have had access to or used this artifact?
Part Two: In part two you will select and describe factors and/or issues from the time periods of American history from which your document originated. Your analysis should include a detailed explanation of how those issues enrich our understanding of the history of childhood. Use Mintz and/or other course readings to substantiate your findings.
Some possible books that you may select have been listed below. If you have an idea that is different, please feel free to share.
Possible Book Titles
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Johnny Tremain
The Orphan Train
Ragged Dick
Tom Sawyer
Huck Finn
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
Saving Savannah
All the Stars Denied
Desert Exile
The Girls with No Names