Instructions:
Step 1: First, write a response to the following prompt with at least eight substantial sentences, integrating concepts you learned from the reading and other materials (include links with necessary). Show that you can think critically on the topic by integrating your own thoughts, analysis, or experiences.
- Prompt: Choose one of the amendments passed during the Reconstruction Era. Do your own independent research and describe how that law still affects our political or social system today. Hints have been given in parentheses to guide your research. Don’t forget to cite your sources!
- 13th Amendment (“except as punishment for crime. . . ,” Black Codes, Jim Crow, prison industrial system)
- 14th Amendment (“equal protection under the law. . . ,” the 19th Amendment, Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), Loving v. Virginia (1967), Obergefell v. Hodges (2015))
- 15th Amendment (“on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. . . ,” poll taxes, literacy tests, voter ID laws)
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.
Discussion Grading Rubric:
| Criteria | Poor | Good | Excellent | Points |
| Discussion Post | Post is off-topic or does not specifically address prompt, but does address general topic of content, does not meet length requirement. | Post address prompt directly, but skips steps or questions, leaves out relevant information, or shows lack of critical thinking, may or may not meet length requirement. | Post directly addresses prompt, contains all relevant information from course content, demonstrates sound analysis and critical thinking, offers well thought-out points, meets length requirement. | __/4 |
| Supporting Evidence/ Sources | Post & comments do not contain any sources or evidence to support points; or sources are off topic, poorly researched, and vague. | Post & comments use relevant evidence for some points, but not for others; or information is missing. | All points in post & comments are supported by relevant, well-researched evidence or sources. | __/4 |
| Response Comments | Responses are off topic, only contain a few words or sentences, no meaningful contribution; or are disrespectful toward fellow students; ideas are not well developed or researched. | Responses may or may not meet length requirement, use respectful language, but are vague or slightly off topic, without evidence, or do not directly address the original poster’s points. | Responses meet length requirement, contain thoughtful feedback, well-researched evidence and relevant points, and use respectful language. | __/2 |
| Total | __/10 |