INSTRUCTIONS
Length 1000-1200 words
Double spaced, 12- point font WORD DOCUMENT only (Do not send PDF or other kinds of formats)
Any acceptable academic citation format
Coherent essay (not point form).
NOTE: You are required to use and cite ALL of the relevant course material (lectures, readings (primary and secondary), and audio-visuals) in your essay. This is not a research essay. You will be penalized for using non-course material.
ANSWER ONE QUESTION ONLY
1. “To use the word “society” to describe the deeply conflicted Caribbean colonies of the 18th century is a gross mis-statement.”
Comment on this statement and discuss the fault lines and cleavages of the 18th century Caribbean and their implications.
2. “Except for Haiti and the Maroons, the enslaved were unable to free themselves despite having the numerical advantage.” Explain this in a discussion of the efforts at resistance and rebellion in the Caribbean.
3. The abolition of the slave trade and the emancipation of the enslaved signaled the end of the foundational era of Caribbean historical development. Discuss the external and internal factors which determined the ways in which enslavement ended in Caribbean societies.
Required Materials:
1. Readings assigned
2. YouTube videos:
(Please pay attention to these notes)
1. Read your essay before submitting. Proofread it well. You will lose precious points for minor mistakes you could have fixed in your proofreading stage. These issues were very common. We will be more severe on the second assignment about silly grammar or historical mistakes which should be easily caught.
2. Make clear reference to the authors you read, the lectures and videos you watched.
3. Avoid over-quoting. Quote to highlight key points and arguments, but keep quotations short. A handful of essays included several enormous block quotations. When you can, use your own words to explain the ideas in question. When you do quote, do not forget to add a reference.
4. Avoid repetition. You have a limited space to express yourself. Make your points and move forward to another point.
5. Avoid strong generalizations, statements such as: “no historian looked at this”, “the only case of…” Be precise.
6. Avoid meaningless use adjectivities or verbs. Examples: “noble motives…” “he is the one to be blamed for…”. Be precise and straightforward.
7. Be consistent in the style you chose for citations and bibliographic references.
8. Avoid writing in a casual format. Focus and practice your academic writing. When we read and grade a university level assignment, we expect full engagement with specific written genres and style.
9. Finally, pay attention to structure.
9.1. Having a good Introduction is essential.
9.1.1. In an introduction you explain what the topic you will be dealing with is and you summarize how you will present the ideas.
9.1.2. Be sure to include a clear statement of argument, and support that argument with clear evidence throughout the essay.
9.1.3. At the beginning of each paragraph, refer back to the summary – from the introduction — you organized. This will help your reader follow your ideas more clearly.
9.1.4. Short conclusions are always the best when writing a text with limited length. Avoid repeating sentences from your introduction in this part.