Core 102

The Idea of Democracy

Roger Williams University

Section 01 LLC TTH 09:30AM 10:50AM GHH 108

Section 18 ELI TTH  12:30PM   1:50PM  GHH 108

Spring Semester, 2015

Michael R. H. Swanson, Ph. D.

Office: GHH 215

Hours: M 2:00-3:20  T,  Th: 11:00-12:00 

Or By Appointment

Phone:  ext 3230

E-mail:  mswanson@rwu.edu

Directions:

There are two options for this paper.  Choose either one.

The Due Date is  MONDAY, April 27, submitted by blackboard. 

If you want me go over a draft or outline with you, drop by the office.

OPTION ONE -- THE TREATMENT OF WOMEN BEFORE AND DURING THE 19TH CENTURY

Use these sources:

• Three Letters Between John and Abigail Adams  (1776)
  

• A Vindication of the Rights of Women, by Mary Wollstonecraft (1792)
  

Chap. IX.  Of the Pernicious Effects Which Arise from the Unnatural Distinctions Established in Society

• I  ABBY'S YEAR IN LOWELL from the Lowell Offering
  

• XI. PREJUDICE AGAINST LABOUR  from the Lowell Offering
  

• Three Documents by Sarah Grimke
  

Letter IV: Social Intercourse of the Sexes and Letter VIII on the Condition of Women in the United States

(1837)

Letter on the Legal Disabilities of Women, Sarah Grimke (1837)

• The Seneca Falls Convention and Declaration of Sentiments   (1848)
  

• ADDRESS OF SUSAN B. ANTHONY  Is it a Crime for a Citizen of the United States to Vote?
  

My introductions and comments upon these readings can be found on  the pages for March 17, 14, and 21.

Write a general essay (about 5 pages or so) in which you critique the ideas present in these documents.  Which ideas seem most important to you?  Which do you agree with:  Which do you  disagree with, and why"  In your thinking, what things have changed the most in the past 150 years?  Which have changed the least?

OPTION TWO:  SLAVERY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE UNITED STATES

Use these sources:

This video, Slavery and the Making of America, which I suggested you watch out of class, as it was too long to show in class.

PLUS

• The Selling of Joseph (Samuel Sewall (1700)
  

• Some Consideration on the Keeping of Negroes,  (John Woolman, 1754)
  

Write a general essay (about 5 pages or so) in which you reflect upon the ideas in the video.  What were the most important things you learned about American Slavery?  Were there any ideas which you question?.  Which ideas seem most important to you?  Suppose Samuel Sewall and John Woolman could watch this video.   How would they feel about what they saw, as you see it?  Are there places where the writers of the film seem to make similar points.

Extra Credit Option

Do Both options.  The best will count for your grade.  The other will give you extra credit for the course.  Don't worry about the possibility that it might lower your grade if it isn't very good.  That won't happen.