Consider modules during weeks 1-8, as well as the various links Ive posted throughout each module linking to Calisphere (Links to an external site.) primary sources (or other primary source links I use in the modules).  Generally, the modular content can be divided into the following chronological and thematic eras: Native California, Spanish California, Mexican California, Gold Rush California, Era of Statehood, California 1850-1900.  Thinking about the primary sources available within Calisphere (Links to an external site.) throughout these different eras, complete the following task below.

Select any set of at least 3-5 primary sources, visual and/or textual, from the Calisphere (Links to an external site.) database, using only primary source material pre-1900. Once you have selected your primary sources, answer the following question(s) in a five-paragraph essay format:

What do the primary sources illustrate about the changing nature of Californias social, political, and/or economic history at the time each source was produced? What historical themes are significant in your view based on the evidence? In what ways does the primary source evidence illustrate change over time?

Formate-

Your essay should be written in a five-paragraph essay format.  That means you need a clear introduction with a thesis statement that introduces the reader to the source evidence you plan to discuss.  Do not list the evidence in your introduction.  You can cite the evidence fully in your footnotes or endnotes.  Rather, introduce the reader to the topics & evidence you intend to discuss.  You should have a minimum of THREE body paragraphs (not including the introduction and conclusion), but I encourage you to consider writing more.  A well-developed body paragraph is between – of a page according to the formatting requirements described below. You can organize your body paragraphs by types of source evidence or a thematic topic, e.g., religion, agriculture, gender, social structure, politics, economics, etc.  The choice is yours.  Be sure to include a conclusion paragraph. 

You must use Chicago Manual of Style (Links to an external site.) citation footnotes or endnotes.  Your draft essay should be approximately three pages, typed, double spaced, 12 pt. font, New Times Roman.  The word count for the draft should fall in the 1,000 1,250 range.  Try not to exceed 1,500 words for the draft stage.  Include your name and course information on a separate title page.  If you do not submit your essay in accordance with the aforementioned requirements, it may be returned to you and you will be required to resubmit it using proper formatting.

Your paper will be graded on the following basis:

• Introductory paragraph w/thesis statement: 20 %
• Three (minimum) body paragraphs: 70 %
• Conclusion paragraph: 10 %
• Of the above categories, grammar and good writing will also be considered in determining your grade.

Late Paper Policy:

Your draft essay is due on the date noted above.  If you do not turn it in on time, your paper will be considered late and reduced in score.  All students must submit essay 1 in order to pass the course.

Prewriting requirement & advice on primary source analysis:

Students will be required to submit a proposal via CANVAS outlining and linking to the digital primary sources they intend to use for their essay assignment.  Also, if you need help on how to analyze primary sources, whether visual (Links to an external site.) or textual (Links to an external site.) forms of evidence, these forms (Links to an external site.) from the National Archives have proven helpful to students. 

Sample citation:  If you are citing a primary source from one of my lectures, you can use this format.[1] If you are citing a primary source directly from Calisphere, you can use this format.[2]  Since you are only citing primary sources, there really is no other format you need to worry about at this point for the draft; unless perhaps theres another instructor-approved primary source database you are referencing, if so, it would be like this.[3]

If you have no clue how to use Chicago Manual of Style (Links to an external site.), please check out the sources available at the BC Writing Center and watch out for tips on using Chicago (Links to an external site.) that I will share with you via CANVAS.

[1] Name of source, in Oliver Rosales, Title of Lecture, History 18, Bakersfield College, hyperlink, date accessed.

[2] Name of source, Calisphere, hyperlink, date accessed.

[3] Name of source, Name of Website, hyperlink, date accessed.

***The sources HAVE to be founf from this website (https://calisphere.org)