please see attachment
HIS 110 Western Civilization: Ancient to Early Modern
Instructor: Heather Davison
Optional Paper Two Assignment
This paper is optional. If you don’t do it, I’ll just keep applying the same grade
you got for Paper 1.
Note: At the very least, you should look at my comments for paper 1. Better,
however, would be that you get me to comment on your draft ahead of time.
Don’t forget to view your similarity report.
Due Date:
Thursday, May 16 by 11:59 PM: Paper due on MyHills
(Note: Fall term is already over at this point, but I’m giving extra time since I
will not finalize grades until the weekend.
The Question:
Your paper should be 600-800 words typed and double-spaced with one-inch
margins in 12-point Times font. Choose ONE primary source from the list below
and respond to this question:
What does the document reveal about life at the time it was written? Shoot for
two or three observations and use specific evidence from the document.
If you are having trouble submitting your work on time, please contact me.
The Primary Sources (Choose ONE):
(These are the same options as PSA 2; see the PSAs area for links to the primary sources)
Primary
Source # 1
You can choose from the list on Paper 1, except for whatever primary source you
used for Paper 1.
Primary
Source # 2
Kurt Vonnegut’s Letter Home (in your Unit 2 handout packet)
Note: You must choose from these options unless you consult with me. I would be happy to
help you find a different primary source more aligned with your interests. Failure to do so
will result in a grade penalty. Do not use outside sources. Use only the textbook, lectures
and the primary source. History classes help practice the skill of organizing and
categorizing large amounts of information.
The Question:
What does the document reveal about life at the time it was written? Aim for two
or three observations and use specific evidence from the primary source.
Specifics:
Your paper should be 600-800 words typed and double-spaced with one-inch margins in
12-point Times font. These are not research papers; use only the course materials to
complete the assignment. I will provide 1) specific instructions for each paper, 2)
Directions for using Turnitin.com, and 3) general guidelines for writing papers. I will use
these guidelines when grading your papers. Make sure you have read and understood
both of these handouts before you begin writing. If you have any questions about these
two handouts, it is your responsibility to contact me for clarification.
Helpful handouts for completing the paper:
1) Blank Primary Source Worksheet (on MyHills)
2) Directions for submitting to Turnitin Assignment areas (on MyHills)
3) Paper Guidelines Handout (on MyHills)
Success Center:
Don’t forget the resources available at IHCC’s Success Center. They have a computer lab
and tutoring services are also available. You can also find online Success Center Resources
from your MyHills home page under “General Links.”
See or call 641-683-5238 or (800) 726-
2585, ext. 5238 for details.
For online tutoring, there is NetTutor, available on our course menu. Choose the Live
Writing Tutor rather than a history tutor.
The Purdue University OWL is also a great resource:
Submitting Papers:
Unless you have made a previous arrangement with me in writing, I will consider papers
late after 11:59 PM on Thursday, May 16. Your paper must be submitted electronically
via the Turnitin dropbox on MyHills. You are responsible for ensuring your paper is
submitted properly. Always double check electronic submissions. You should be checking
your originality report, anyway, so you’ll know if it’s been submitted properly. Ignorance
of proper submission procedures is not a valid excuse for a late paper.
Using the PSA Worksheet to outline your paper:
Questions 1-7 are roughly the kind of information you’d put in the intro paragraph.
Questions 8 – 10 can form the root of each of your body paragraphs. Questions 11 and 12
are things to consider for the conclusion paragraph. Submit your PSA 1 worksheet on one
of the primary sources listed, then use it to write your paper. See MyHills for a blank PSA
worksheet.
Citations
Remember, you must use your course materials. These are not research papers.
Cite any page numbers from the textbook. Cite course notes by topic or date.
You should not use any internet tools, including generative AI or AI-editing
software. If you need editing help, come to me, the Success Center Writing
Tutors, or NetTutor on our course menu.
