History Question

Synthesis Essay:

Throughout this class, we have discussed how modern popular culture often portrays Caribbean

pirates as rebels staunchly opposed to the brutal, tyrannical system of colonialism that took hold

across the Americas. Yet the real history of piracy in the Caribbean shows a far more nuanced,

complicated reality. Some pirates like Benjamin Hornigold gave up their piratical ways and went

after their own. Others like Blackbeard colluded with corrupt officials like Charles Eden, the

colonial governor of North Carolina, to mask his piratical activities.

For your final writing assignment, you will be tasked with composing an argumentative essay

that critically examines this concept using both primary and secondary sources. Please refer to

the instructions below for this assignments guidelines and requirements.

Instructions:

1. Answer the following prompt:

a. To what extent can pirates during the Golden Age of Piracy (c. 1650-1730) be

understood as rebels fighting against repressive colonial regimes, as opposed

to opportunistic criminals driven by greed?

2. In your essay, you must use at least 3 peer-reviewed, scholarly secondary sources

(Littles book can count as one) and 2 primary sources to prove your points. It must also

include a thesis statement, introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

3. The essay must be at least 800-1000 words minimum, double-spaced, and 12 pt. Times

New Roman font. You will also need to cite your sources using Chicago-style format.

This will include footnotes and a separate bibliography page.

4. A rubric has been attached to the assignment on Canvas. I strongly recommend that you

follow the rubric carefully if you wish to do well on this assignment. I will not only be

grading you based on your grammar and essay structure, but also on your citations and

how well you use the sources to answer the prompt and make a successful historical

argument.

5. AI AND/OR OUTSIDE SOURCES ARE NOT ALLOWED FOR THIS ESSAY!

USE OF THESE WILL RESULT IN YOUR GRADE BEING SEVERELY

PENALIZED!

a. Anything information cited from websites, blogs, Wikipedia, YouTube Videos

will count as outside sources.

6. Though this assignment will function as something like a first draft and you will be

submitting a revised version later, it is important that you put in your best effort to satisfy

the requirements. Regardless, you will have the opportunity to make revisions if need be.

Absolutely NO AI, Please site sources properly

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