In your best estimation, is technology or ideology a more effective driver of change in society? This change could be positive or negative. Answer this question using the particular arena of post-World War II, Cold War America to prove your points, using specific examples from the history we have covered so far in this course. Pick one example of either technology or ideology to center the argument in your paper around. “Technology” could include military technology, or a new piece of civilian goods designed for consumerism. An ideology could be either a philosophy, a religion, or a political system. To reinforce your argument, explain and demonstrate how the technology or ideology of your choosing transformed, to a greater or to a limited extent, the US society of that era.
The exam must be 6-7 pages in length, double-spaced, numbered, include 1 inch margins, use 12 point Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and include a cover page that identifies who you are, the title of the course, the name of your instructor, and state Midterm Exam.
The exam must include footnotes or endnotes and a Works Cited or Bibliography page. The citation style must be Chicago/Turabian. Your instructor will provide instructions on how to cite a source using Chicago/Turabian style. You may also consult the short guide linked to in this sub-module at the bottom. The selected sources must be appropriate to the exam topic, the citations must support the assertions made in the exam, and footnotes or endnotes must be used in each instance where detailed explanations would distract from the argument.
The exam will include three main parts—the Thesis/Introduction, Argument, and Conclusion.
The Introduction section should clearly state the thesis within the first 1-2 paragraphs. The thesis must be relevant and appropriate to the argument and demonstrate an accurate and complete understanding of the question(s). It should do more than restate the question(s) and offer a brief response and it should be free of grammar & spelling errors.
The Argument section should incorporate pertinent details from assigned coursework and outside readings when permitted. Please make sure to ask your instructor for approval. Do not assume that you can use outside readings. The section must provide relevant historical evidence to support the thesis and the key claims made in the argument as needed. It should maintain focus and avoid getting sidetracked. It should present your answer(s) to the question(s) asked clearly and concisely in an organized manner and it should be free of grammar & spelling errors.
The Conclusion section should be in the last part of your essay exam within the last 1-2 paragraphs. It should briefly restate the thesis and summarize the main points of the argument. It should also demonstrate insight and understanding regarding the question(s) asked and it should be free of grammar & spelling errors.
