Problem
"Creative Title"
Prompt
Reflective essays focus on personal experiences and ideas. As with our other essays and projects this semester, your essay should present a clear thesis, and support that thesis with convincing evidence and specific examples from your course experience. That said, as a reflective essay, you can be more personal and less formal in this essay.
As you brainstorm approaches to your essay, consider some of the following questions:
Has this course challenged or complicated any prior idea(s) you had about U.S. history? If so, in what ways? If not, how has it mirrored what you already knew?
Take time to scan through our Canvas modules page as you consider the materials you have explored this semester. Have any particular readings contributed to your learning?
How have you come to understand "history" as a discipline and field of study?
Did your essay or project experiences this semester raise any questions for you or produce unexpected frustrations/breakthroughs?
How has this course, its material, and/or assignments affected you and why?
Has this course contributed to your understanding of U.S. political knowledge? Do you think you have developed your ability to participate in American democracy? Is so, how so?
Thank you for sharing a journey together through American history!
Wishing you many more adventures
The past semester of exploring U.S. history from 1865 to the present has been both challenging and rewarding. Through the readings, lectures, and assignments, I expanded my knowledge of the U.S. political landscape and gained a better understanding of how history has shaped the American experience. In particular, I found myself most drawn to the topics of the 1960s, The Great War, and WWII, as each of these eras was filled with immense cultural and political changes that have shaped the nation today.
As I explored the material, I was able to challenge my preconceived notions about U.S. history, mainly when it came to the causes and effects of each era. For example, my initial understanding of the 1960s was simplified, with the assumption that it was a decade of protest and unrest. However, further exploration of the period revealed a much more nuanced picture, with a wide range of social movements, struggles, and successes that shaped the decade and created a lasting impact. Similarly, my initial understanding of World War II was primarily focused on military action, without much consideration of the political and economic factors that drove the war. Exploring these aspects helped me to gain a better understanding of the complex and multi-faceted nature of history.
In addition to expanding my knowledge of history, this course has also helped me to develop my ability to participate in American democracy. Through the research and writing assignments, I honed my research and writing skills, as well as developed my understanding of the importance of primary sources. Additionally, I gained a better understanding of how to interpret and analyze historical events, which will be an invaluable skill in understanding current events and participating in civil discourse.
Overall, this course has been a valuable experience in understanding U.S. history and developing my ability to engage with the political world. Through the exploration of the material, I gained a better understanding of the past and insight into how history shapes the present.
In conclusion, this semester of exploring U.S. history has been a rewarding and enlightening experience. By engaging with the material and deepening my understanding of the past, I have gained a better understanding of the present and prepared myself to participate in American democracy.
What do you think I should add, and could you help me with a creative title?