Instructions:
Step 1: Write a response to each of the following prompts with at least eight substantial sentences (250-300 words), integrating concepts you learned from the reading and other materials (include links when necessary). Show that you can think critically on the topic by integrating your own thoughts, analysis, or experiences.
- Prompt 1, Historical Continuity: Explain at least two ways in which European colonization of the Americas during the Age of Exploration is the same as the 19th-century ideals of Manifest Destiny.
- Prompt 2, Historical Change: Using one of the following policy changes below, select which one you feel most closely represents the principles of Manifest Destiny.
Step 2: Respond in two separate posts to two classmates (in at least 75 words). Explicitly address their examples and try to extend, complicate, or redirect their points in a substantive, knowledge-demonstrating way. Be sure to cite relevant concepts and key terms from the reading. Your responses should add value to the discussion. “Nice job” or “I disagree” do not constitute substantive or constructive posts. You might wish to engage in a discussion with a classmate who responded to a different prompt than you or provided new insights. You might wish to follow up on a post with which you disagree. As always, courtesy and respect are required.
Discussion Grading Rubric:
| Criteria | Poor | Good | Excellent | Points |
| Content | The initial response lacks depth or demonstration of critical thinking. It contributes little to advance the discussion. | The initial response provides some analysis, though shallow, and presents opinion without evidence. | The initial response provides excellent analysis, supported by evidence, that thoroughly addresses the prompt and advances the discussion. | ___/5 |
| Etiquette and participation | Provides brief responses or lacks appropriate number of responses. May lack appropriate display of courtesy. | Provides appropriate number of responses that adhere in only the broadest sense to the topic. | Initiates additional conversation with classmates and does so with courtesy. Subsequent posts display depth of analysis on par with expectations for initial post. | ___/2 |
| Mechanics | Posts display extensive proofreading errors, which may include: spelling, grammar, sentence structure. Posts may be difficult to understand. | Posts are generally correct grammatically, although with proofreading errors. They are understandable. | Posts display excellent grammar. They are easily understood and lack anything but minimal errors. | ___/3 |
| Total | ___/10 |