Incorporation Paper

You will write a paper (6-8 pages) interpreting the environmental aspects of the incorporation of America into a national political economy based largely on market capitalism and democratic principles, which occurred largely in the nineteenth century. This will function as your midterm.

The nineteenth century found the United States expanding across the North American continent, incorporating new people and new environments. Besides this enlargement of the American state, the nineteenth century also saw the American economy expand and transform in unprecedented ways. The results of this political and economic transformation were many, but among them were profoundly new ways of using, organizing, and changing the environment. Moreover, the environment itself deeply shaped how that political and economic expansion occurred. How did the environment shape American political and economic changes in the nineteenth century, and how did those changes in the American state and the American economy affect the American environment? In answering this question, you will need to address how American culture interacted with the environment, economy, and politics.

Specifications

Reminder about Grades

A.      An "A" paper is one that is good enough to be read aloud in class. It is clearly written and well-organized. Most importantly it contains a perceptive, original, central argument supported by a well-chosen variety of specific examples. It demonstrates that the writer has grappled with the issues raised in the course, synthesized the readings, discussions, and lectures, and formulated a compelling, independent argument.

B.      A typical "B" paper is a solid work containing flashes of insight that demonstrate that the writer has wrestled with some of the issues raised in the course. Yet a typical "B" paper would not be appropriate for reading aloud in class because it mainly provides a summary or reiteration of ideas and information already covered in the readings and discussion, with no evidence of independent thought or synthesis. Other "B" papers give evidence of independent thought, but the argument is not presented clearly or convincingly.

C.      A typical "C" paper provides a less thorough or accurate summary of material presented in the course, or a less thorough defense of an argument.

D.      A paper that receives a grade less than "C" typically does not respond adequately to the assignment, is marred by frequent errors, unclear writing, poor organization, or some combination of those problems.