It is important for honors students to recognize that the key element making this class diferent from "standard" class work is the quality of the work.  Thus, each and every assiignment must be approached from this perspective:  how can I produce exceptional work here?  Answers to questions should demonstrate excellence of thought and presentation.  If possible, work should be word processed (this is not, however, required).  In addition to the assignments given in the Oak Meadow U.S. History Syllabus, the student will complete the following:

1.  READ Frederick Jackson Turner's very important thesis, "The Significance of the Frontier in American History."  This thesis was written and first presented in 1893.  It was somewhat controversial when it was written; it still arouses a good deal of discussion among historians as to its validity.
    Use your studies in American history, and any other research you deem necessary, to analyze Turner's thesis.  You must (1) summarize his ideas, (2) concisely present your opinion of its main points, and (3) defend your position.  Thus, this assignment asks you to use Turner's thesis as a jumping-off place to come up with your own theory as to the significance of the frontier in American history.  Please write a 6-8 page paper.
    This assignment will normally be due after the completion of lesson 16 in the Oak Meadow U.S. History course.

2.  The title of this study is "A History of the Struggle for Women's Rights in America."  Begin with the U.S. Constitution, discovering what it said when written about women's rights.  Discuss who could vote in the early years of our nation's history.  Then, beginning with "The Seneca Falls Declaration of Women's Rights" (1848), easily found online, discuss the progress toward the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.  But, of course, the 19th Amendment was only the beginning of the progress toward establishing women's full equality in our nation.  You will need to research the legal process by which women have gained their current status in our nation.  Finally, read one of the modern feminist's works (for example, The Feminine Mystique, by Friedan; you may choose something by Steinem, Faludi, Millett, a publication by the National Organization for Women, MS magazine, etc.).  
    On the basis of your historical survey, write an 8-10 page paper analyzing the current status of women's rights in America.
    This assignment will normally be due after the completion of lesson 24 in the Oak Meadow U.S. History course.

3.  This will be a study entitled "America's Wars."  Your study will focus very precisely on the questions:  WHY did we fight this war? and HOW did we actually enter into the conflict?  The actual progress of the wars is not the focus of this study.  You will need to do research on the following wars:  American Revolution, War of 1812, the Mexican War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, Korean "conflict," Vietnam War, Iraq War.  You will be looking for patterns:  How do Americans feel about foreign wars?  What makes us want to fight them?  Waht does it take to actually get us involved in a war?  Do not talk about the actual fighting of the war, but instead focus on the inception of our involvement.
    After you have completed your research of these ward, come up with a THESIS STATEMENT to summarize your view of why America fights in foreign wars, and how we get ourselves involved in them.  Then, discuss each of the wars in succession to prove your thesis.  Write at least 10 pages.
    This assignment will normally be due at the conclusion of the course.