History : How long do the essays have to be?
You just have to answer the question. Having said the great non-answer of all essays questions, keep these points in mind:
These are mini-research papers, not the standard handwritten blue book exercises you may get in a traditional in class/course where you have 45 minutes to read, prepare and write the essay.
You can see the questions in advance. The Essays are listed in the introduction screen of the essay content item. You can prepare the essay in advance while you are completing the module readings, lectures and viewing the on line links. You must answer one of the questions listed.
I expect far more than a short answer/outline type of response, we require a fully developed essay. The essays fall into different categories - a straight factual essay "Describe ...; a topical "Compare ....; or opinion " What was ......"or a "Make or Break the following argument" Some of the essays contain a main question and then a follow-up; read the questions carefully.
I am looking for a fully mature college level essay - solid topical paragraph that restates the question and outlines your key points or opinions; a paragraph or paragraphs for each of those key points providing facts and details to prove your statement or opinion and that you fully understand the concept under discussion; a solid closing paragraph that sums up your argument or keys points. Although I do not specify a word count, you will find that it will be difficult to answer these questions in less than 350 - 500 words or 2-3 pages.
What we are looking for is a solid topical paragraph that restates the question and outlines your key points. Then a series of paragraphs that address each part of your argument and provide enough detail to demonstrate your mastery of the subject matter and proves your point. Finally, a strong closing that wraps up your argument and repeats your key points.
The mini-research question
How and why did American cities grow so dramatically in the late 19th Century?