african lives after the abolition of slavery
An important subject area of study in better understanding The African Diaspora is an examination of what were experienced by the tens of thousands of former enslaved Africans following the Abolition of Slavery. Abolition occurred at different times in different societies during the 19th century. Abolition physically freed tens of thousands of Africans in varying New World societies in which the British, French, Dutch, Spanish and American slave holders had subjected tens of thousands of African peoples to a life of enslavement; forcing them to labor without monetary compensation and severely curtailing what was left of the future for themselves as well as their offspring. In every society, these former enslaved Africans found themselves, socially, economically and otherwise in hardship situations as they attempted to reconstruct their lives. They repeatedly faced social, economic as well as political challenges at every turn but, yet were determined to overcome the challenges and exist as the dignified humans they perceived themselves to be.
This semester’s research assignment focuses on African lives after or following the Abolition of Slavery in any of the New World societies where slavery had dominated the social, economic and political landscape and life of the colony or state. Students are expected to write an essay of, at least, 800-850 words relating to aftermath of the abolition of slavery. What were some of the problems faced by these freed Africans following abolition? How were these problems confronted and overcome? How were they able to rebuild their lives following abolition?
Students can focus their research discussions on these discussion points and explain the state of African communities in Africa or in the African Diaspora over time, following the abolition of slavery.
ESSAY GUIDELINES:
This essay must be written, composed and organized by you, the student…..
- The text of the essay must be, at least, 800 words in length. The text of the essay must not exceed 850 words in length.
- The Essay must contain Footnotes or End notes and a BIBLIOGRAPHICAL listing of articles and books used in the compilation of the essay. At least 5 (five) Bibliographical sources must be consulted and cited. Limit your use of Internet and Encyclopedia The text book can be used and listed, but not as one of the required 5 (five) required sources. On-line Journal articles can be used in this research. Students are encouraged to develop an outline of the essay and to consult with the instructor to ensure that the research is on the right track. Your outline must include potential topics of discussion within the essay, as well as sources to be consulted in your research.
- Once again, Students are encouraged to make an outline of their research essay and, in a timely manner, present it to the instructor for critique and adjustments. Students are also encouraged from time to time, during the research and writing process, to consult with the Instructor. This will ensure that your research is acceptable and is on the right track. Do remember, to include the outline in the final presentation
Points will be awarded for:
- Originality and coherent expression of thought, ideas and arguments.
- Organization and expression.
- Adherence to the research methods adhered to by historians. (Use of footnotes and a Bibliographical listing of Sources)
- Adherence to the stated guidelines for this essay presentation.
ADDITIONAL (TERM PAPER) GUIDELINES
- The final essay must be typewritten, with a one inch margin to the left of the page and, at least. a one-half inch margin on the right with a type size font of 12 .
- The final presentation must be made in a Folder and must be accompanied by all notes made in the compilation of the essay.
- The essay text must be, at least, 5 pages full pages in length. It must be no longer than 7 (seven) pages.
- The Essay must have 1. An introductory paragraph. 2. Additional paragraphs comprising the body of the essay, and 3. A concluding paragraph/section
- Through the use of Footnotes or Endnotes, students must cite the source(s) of information, including quotations, found in the text of the essay. Information to be included in such citations are as follows:
- The writer’s name. 2. The title of the work (Underlined or Italicized).
- City of Publication. 4. Publisher 5. Year of Publication
- The page number (s) from where the information is gathered.
Example: John Hope Franklin, From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African Americans. Seventh Edition (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1980), 22-23.
Note: each individual Footnote or End note must have a individual and different number and must be listed in numerical order of 1, 2, 3 etc. A corresponding number must be listed in the text to indicate and correspond with the reference cited in the footnote or end note.
- Except for the first page, all pages of the text of the essay must be numbered. Numbering begins on page 2, the second page of the text, and proceeds accordingly.
Note:
ALL ESSAYS MUST BE PRESENTED IN A DOUBLE-SPACING FORMAT
Order of Presentation of the Research Paper:
- Title or Cover Page.
- Blank Page (will be used for notes & observations, if needed, by the Instructor).
- Text of the Essay, in paragraph organization, with Footnote citations. Footnotes
indicate the source of specific pieces of information mentioned in the text.
- (End notes are not required if footnotes are used).
- (Do not use the term “Work Cited.â€). This is a listing of the
Sources used in the compilation of the essay.
- NOTES used in the development of the research and writing of the essay.
Without, exception, these notes must be included in the final presentation.
- Present your final Term Paper Essay in a Folder accompanied by notes used in the development of the essay.
- Have you numbered the pages? The cover page, the blank page and the first page of the text are not to be numbered. Begin numbering from page 2, the page after the first page of the text of the essay with the number 2, and proceed accordingly to 3, 4, etc. Points will be deducted for non-compliance with this provision!!
THE GRADING RUBRIC
Historical Essay Grading Requirements & Guidelines
All essays, including the Term Paper, during the Course will be valued out of 25 points.
Your Essays will be assessed or graded according to & based on the following guidelines:
1. Understanding: General understanding/comprehension of the question – The response must reflect a full and thorough understanding of the question(s) …………Maximum 5 points.
2. Organization: Points will be awarded for paragraph organization. Each Essay must contain an introductory paragraph, a body (one or more paragraphs as needed to explain your points, arguments or contention), and a concluding paragraph …Maximum 5 points
3. Content: The information presented in the response discussion must accurately reflect the subject area of discussion…………..…………………………………………………..……Maximum 10 points
4. Proper Use of English: This pertains to – the proper spelling of words, correct punctuation and grammar, numbering of the pages and the inclusion of Source(s) information (Footnoting & Bibliographical indicators) ………………………………………………………………….Maximum 5 points
Total………………………………………..………………………………………………………………Maximum. 25 points
Note: All grades for the course are awarded based on merit and on your class performance during the course of the semester!
A CHECKLIST OF REMINDERS TO STUDENTS
Before coming to class and before submitting assignments students are encouraged to consult: THE CHECKLIST OF REMINDERS TO STUDENTS
Students will lose valuable points if they do not adhere to the stated Guidelines
- Attend all scheduled classes – lectures and discussions. By signing up for this class you are agreeing to be present for every lecture and discussion for this semester.
- On all assignments, number the pages, except the very first page. Begin the numbering from page two with the lettering “2.” Then proceed accordingly.
- On take-home assignments, students must include Footnotes or endnotes and a Bibliographical listing of the source(s).
- Avoid starting sentences with transition words such as “Because,†“And,†and “But.â€
- Avoid use of the words “thing†or “things†in writing and in verbal expressions. These are vague and lazy words. There always is a substitute for such words.
- Avoid all abbreviations. Example: USA, UN, couldn’t, wasn’t, isn’t, didn’t Always write/spell out the words. This applies in all cases including quizzes and examinations.
- Particularly in research assignments, limit the use of direct quotations. Paraphrase if necessary. If quotations are used, remember to introduce your quotes. Ex., According to the writer, “….†Mary Jones Brown argues, “…..†etc.
- The Term Paper must be accompanied by notes used and made (rough drafts included) during the writing process. Points will be deducted for non-compliance.
- Complete and turn in your assignments on time. An absence, regardless of the reason, is not necessarily an accepted excuse for late submissions.
- During lectures & discussions, make notes on important points and concepts cited & emphasized. During the lectures, in class discussions or during office consultations students are encouraged to ask questions for clarification related to lectures or subjects of relevance.
- No assignment, or part of any assignment, will be accepted, via the internet (as an e-mail or as an e-mail attachment) or via Fax. There are no exceptions to this rule. All assignments must be delivered to the Instructor at the start of the class period. Prepare and plan ahead!
- Did you number the pages of the assignment? Students are forewarned that one (1) point will be deducted (except the first page) for each page that is not numbered.
The following terms must be incorporated, defined and included within the text of the essay, preferably in the introduction: Diaspora, Slavery, Abolition, Emancipation, Civil Rights and Resilience.
