Historiography, according to the OED, is “the study of writing history and of written histories.”

Historiography, according to the OED, is “the study of writing history and of written histories.” It can also be construed as the “history of history” or the “history of historical debate.” As we have seen and will see in class this semester, beyond the absolute basics of names, dates, and places, history is often hotly debated, and historical truth depends very much on the evidence used and the viewpoint taken.
For this assignment, you will look at one of these debates, discover the evidence used to support each side, determine which side you support and why, and defend your choice. The debate you will be looking at will be “Was Andrew Jackson’s Indian Removal Policy Motivated by Humanitarian Impulses?” Read the excerpts from the two books provided in the document “Indian Removal Debate” attached below. Robert V. Remini, in
Andrew Jackson and the Course of American Freedom
argues “Yes;” Anthony F.C. Wallace, in
The Long, Bitter Trail: Andrew Jackson and the Indians
argues “No.” As you read, highlight the evidence (historical facts) used by each historian. (The website I used to create the document is linked at the bottom of the attachment if you want to go to it.) You may also use the textbook and whatever other sources you wish, but if you want you may just use the excerpts provided.
Your first task in this assignment is to come up with a list of facts from each side that you feel is most convincing. Write a list
for both sides; each list of facts should be at least 6 facts long and each fact should be cited.
You can use your own words for the list or quote from the reading or your other sources; if you quote, use proper MLA format:
give the author and page number of the document you got the fact from after each fact
. For the excerpts provided, give the page number as it is on your device. Additionally, if you wish to use the textbook or other sources, you may, but you must cite them and give the page numbers the facts came from.
After you have read the excerpts and created your list, decide which side you agree with. Please note that for this assignment, it would not be a good idea to choose a middle road; pick one side or the other. Since they are diametrically opposed, picking a middle road would lead to your paper saying nothing.
Once you have decided which side you agree with, then write a
500 to 1,000 word
position paper. In it, give a traditional introduction stating both sides and giving a thesis with your opinion and why you feel that way. Then present your evidence, using the list from your side as a basis. Be sure to use quotes with analysis to further support your ideas (cite the quotes in MLA format). You must also give a summary of the other side of the argument. You should state why the facts on that side did not convince you; again, quotes may be used. Finish the paper with a conclusion that restates your thesis and main points of support and shows how you proved your thesis. Attach a works cited page in MLA format with the website and textbook, if you use it.
You must turn in the
two facts lists, the position paper
, and the
works cited page.
Put them together into one document.
Attachments:
9801546_1_Written-Assignment-2.docx
9801546_2_Indian-Removal-Debate—Tagged.docx