HIS 20

Extra Credit Assignment–Voluntary

Due: November 12, by the end of class—No extensions

2 pages, typed and double-spaced (400-500 words).

Credit: If you receive a higher grade on this essay than your midterm essay, this essay will count towards 5% of your final grade (dropping the midterm to 15%). If you receive the same grade or a lower grade than on your midterm, this essay will count towards your participation grade, helping to make up for absences/low participation in class discussions.

Write an essay in which you discuss the Chinese Exclusion Act primary sources we covered in class in the context of the podcast “Immigration Nation.” Bring in evidence from both primary sources and from the podcast as you discuss how the Chinese Exclusion Act fits with larger developments in the United States regarding attitudes towards immigration and race. Provide historical context for the documents, as well as analysis of the primary and secondary sources. Use at least two in-text MLA citations (one from the podcast, one from one of the documents). You are welcome to bring in other material assigned for or covered in class in either ENG 111 or HIS 20. You may also bring in other material, but you are responsible for determining if it is appropriate for a college-level class. (No Wikipedia!)

Sources:

Marisol Meraji, Sharon, narrator. “Immigration Nation.” Control Switch. NPR, 27 June, 2018. NPR, https://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=623662992

Phelan, James. “Why the Chinese Should Be Excluded.” The North American Review 173 (November 1901). The American Yawp. http://www.americanyawp.com/reader/19-american-empire/james-d-phelan-why-the-chinese-should-be-excluded-1901/

Tape, Mary. “A Mother Protests Against the Denial of Equal Education.” Alta, April 16, 1885. Digital History. http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/disp_textbook.cfm?smtid=3&psid=30

The “Immigration Nation” script is in your ENG 111 reader.  You can also find it here.