COTTON MATHER IN-CLASS ESSAY

On Wednesday, September 28, 2021, our class will consist of an in-class essay. The question is very basic: "Write an essay (with quotes) that discusses if Cotton Mather's sermon The Negro Christianized, is a pro-slavery message or a means of undermining the validity of slavery." The question will make more sense once you have read the sermon

Here's how it will work in practical terms:

1. Read and mark The Negro Christianized sermon. It's the final item available in the Course Materials on Blackboard.

2. Consider the question: Is the sermon a pro-slavery message or a means of undermining the validity of slavery?

3. Prepare an outline, including quotes, to help you write your answer. Please type it in MS Word. Do not write in complete sentences and do not write out the actual essay.

4. At 10:00 AM, you can log into class and take the test. Go to our Blackboard web site and do the following:

• Click on the new "In-Class Exams & Essays" in the black menu bar on the left.
• Once there, click on "Cotton Mather In-Class Essay "

5. Type your response to the essay question in the first section. You may use your outline as a guide.

6. After you finish the essay, copy and paste your outline into the second question.

7. Click on SAVE AND SUBMIT. You are then done.

This is the only activity in the class, so go right to it. I will be in the Virtual Classroom if you need to ask a question.

Some cautions:

1. While the words "Negro" and "Colored" are used in the essay, as twenty-first century people, all of us should avoid using those words unless we are quoting a historical document. If you are unsure of how to identify the enslaved people of color that are the subject of Mather's discussion, please use the term "Black" to avoid being misinterpreted and to avoid the complexities associated with using the modern term "African American" to describe a person before there was a modern-day America.

2. Cotton Mather is not related to Marshal Mathers, so don't add an -s to his name.

3. Quotes are expected, so take time to write a meaningful outline that includes quotes and page numbers. You do not have to do a works cited entry.

4. Your outline should not be written in complete sentences, and do not write out the whole essay and claim it's an outline. The goal is to allow you to prepare your thoughts but still experience taking a timed test to write an essay.

5. This essay is worth 50 points, so take it seriously.

6. Everyone is required to take this exam. 

7. The exam is open a few minutes before class starts until 11 AM. If you come late, that's less time than you would have had if you were on time. If you miss the class, please email me to discuss a make-up and a penalty.