Essay Homework
o Biographical history: Choosing an individual from the course or your own research, write an essay about their life and experiences in historical context. How does their life story illuminate the contact zones of cross-cultural history? Consider gender, 'race' and colonial history in your answer.
o Using an example from the course, consider how the figure of the 'go-between' can be understood in cross-cultural world history. What did he or she face in the contact zone with Europeans, was he or she a betrayer of their own people or a remarkable individual able to see beyond their own circumstances...or somewhere in between the two?
o Considering the variety of early encounters with 'native' peoples, reflect on the role of interpersonal and cultural exchanges between locals and Europeans. How did these exchanges contribute to or mitigate against the violence of colonisation? You might choose early Sydney as your case study.
The objective of this essay is to assess students' application of Mary Louise Pratt's concept of ‘contact zone' to a case study in cross-cultural history.
In assessing the essay, the teaching team will be looking for demonstrated effort, skills and ability in the following areas:
o ACCURACY and UNDERSTANDING: Is the information accurate? Does the student demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the key themes and concepts addressed in the course readings?
o ARGUMENT: Has a plausible argument been constructed in response to the question? Is the argument persuasively made and appropriately supported?
o STRUCTURE and EXPRESSION: Is the style of the essay clear and concise,with a logical flow. Does the writing display fluency, clarity and grammatical correctness?
o PRESENTATION: Is the essay well presented in regards to page numbering, font size, line spacing and similar details which comprise a well presented essay?
o CITATION and BIBLIOGRAPHY: Have the sources been cited according to appropriate scholarly conventions? Is there evidence of independent research of additional scholarly sources?
Format your homework according to the following formatting requirements:
o The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
o The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
o Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.