Module 5 Discussion: Revolutionary War Sources

Imagine you have been asked to write an essay about one of the topics related to the Revolutionary War below. For this discussion, you’ll find sources that could help you draft this essay (though you don’t have to write the essay!).

Instructions:

Step 1: Pick ONE of the questions related to the Revolutionary War period listed below, and find two sources about the topic—one primary source and one secondary source.

  1. What were some challenges and problems faced by soldiers in the Continental Army, and what contributed to their success?
  2. How did George Washington and other military leaders turn the Continental Army into an effective military force?
  3. What was the importance of French support to America’s victory in the American Revolution?
  4. Did life for women in America change because of the American Revolution?

Step 2: For each of your sources, create an annotated bibliography. For each source, your annotated bibliography should include three parts: the citation for the source, a summary of the source, and an evaluation of how you could use the source to help answer the question.

Step 3: After you have posted your annotated bibliography, read and respond to TWO or more of your classmates’ posts (in at least 4-5 sentences). Be sure to make substantive and constructive comments (just posting “nice post” doesn’t count). Expand on a classmate’s comments in a value-adding, topic-related way. For example, add something from your own experience, something you’ve read or seen, or more supporting details to their post. Remember to always be respectful of others.

Discussion Grading Rubric:

Criteria Poor Good Excellent Points
Primary source Response is superficial, lacking in analysis or critique. Source does not help in answering the question. Provides a bibliographic citation and summary, but the information delivered is limited or lacking in analysis. Provides a thoughtful and clear annotated bibliography that includes the citation for the primary source, a summary of the source, and an evaluation of how you could use the source to help answer one of the questions in the prompt. __/4
Secondary source Response is superficial, lacking in analysis or critique. Source does not help in answering the question. Secondary source is not scholarly. Provides a bibliographic citation and summary, but the information delivered is limited or lacking in analysis. Provides a thoughtful and clear annotated bibliography that includes the citation for a scholarly secondary source, a summary of the source, and an evaluation of how you could use the source to help answer one of the questions in the prompt. __/4
Comments and participation Provides brief responses or shows little effort to participate in the learning community. Responds kindly and builds upon the comments from others, but may lack depth, detail, and/or explanation. Kindly and thoroughly extend discussions already taking place or poses new possibilities or opinions not previously voiced. Response is substantive and constructive. __/2
Total __/10