Nuts and Bolts of the Assignment: To gain insight of the culture surrounding Colonial America, we will take a look at some of the pressing issues facing the people. The topics that you may choose from are extremely broad in nature. Therefore, you will be able to consider the topic from several different angles as there isn't a "right" vs. "wrong," but more of an overall view/study of the topic itself. However, if you only consider one angle then you did not thoroughly research your topic.
You may choose one theme from the following topics:
1. Witchcraft
2. Political Philosophy
3. Survival
4. Economics
5. Religion
6. Immigration to the New World
Once you have decided on the topic, you will want to begin exploring it. I would suggest using our library resources in which you can find on the resources tab (left hand column of the courses navigation menu) so that you are using creditable and reliable sources and your textbook. You should be gathering information about your topic from several different angles. For instance, if you chose religion as your topic, you might look at the history of the settler's religion, the Indian's beliefs, the state of the religious affairs in the New World, expressions of religion, etc. (Remembering it is only centered around the Colonial Period). As you can see, each topic should allow different avenues of research and interest.
Once you have gathered information, you should be able to discuss the topic in relation to Colonial America. You will prepare a summary of your findings and submit in one of the following fashions:
1- Prepare a report of your findings that should follow all MLA guidelines and be 2-3 pages in length, with at least 2 creditable sources noted in the Works Cited.
or
2- You may record a 3-4 minute audio clip of your findings using any free technology resource that you wish and submit to me a link to hear your audio feed. In your summary, you will need to credit at least 2 reliable sources.
or
3-You will prepare a multimedia presentation, using any free and reliable programs such as (but not limited to) Prezi, PowerPoint, Museum Box, etc. that will consist of at least 15 slides, including the works cited.
This will also give us insight as we begin to learn about the rise and revolution of America.
The Americans: The National Experience by
Explores problems of community and the search for a national identity. Winner of the Francis Parkman Prize.
Family Life in 17th- and 18th-Century America by 
Living in Colonial America by
This anthology depicts life in the earliest European settlements in America, including the daily experiences of whites, Native Americans, and slaves. Colonial religion, education, and entertainment--all imbued with the ideology of Puritanism--are described in detail.
The Puritans: A Sourcebook of Their Writings Vol. 1 by
Critically acclaimed classic lets Puritans speak for themselves in crucial documents covering history, theory of state and society, religion, customs, behavior, biographies and letters, poetry, literary theory, education, science, and more. Regarded by historian Samuel Eliot Morison as "the best selection ever made of Puritan literature, point of view and culture."
Witchcraft in America by
This fascinating and informative source covers the history of witchcraft in the United States from the hysteria that facilitated the witch hunts during the Colonial Period to modern day followers of Wicca. Chapters present stories of accused witches in American colonies before 1692 and the events leading up to the Salem witch trials, including the tragic aftermath. Chapters include excerpts from trial transcripts, diary entries, public notices and many other primary sources.