HIST 376 Midterm Exam
African American Experience in North Carolina
150 Points Total
Due: Friday, October 2nd at 11:59 pm
Directions: Write a 2 – 3 page essay responding to the prompt below. Your essay should demonstrate your understanding of the material covered in Weeks 2 – 6.
You may use your course readings, primary sources, videos, notes, and previous assignments while completing the exam. No outside research is required.
Essay Prompt:
How did African Americans in North Carolina experience the struggle for freedom and equality from slavery through the development of Jim Crow?
In your response, discuss how African American experiences changed and/or remained the same over time. Use specific evidence from at least three of the following topics:
● Enslavement in North Carolina
● Black Freedom and Reconstruction
● Wilmington 1898
● Building Jim Crow
● Living Under Jim Crow
Your response should do more than describe what happened. Explain what these examples reveal about freedom, racial inequality, resistance, and the experiences of African Americans in North Carolina.
Midterm Essay Requirements
● Length: 2–3 full pages
● Minimum: 2 full pages
● Maximum: 3 full pages
● Double-spaced
● 12-point font
● 1-inch margins
● Use evidence from at least 3 topics from Weeks 2–6
● No outside research required
Midterm Essay Rubric
Your essay is worth 150 points. Use the checklist below to help you prepare and review your essay before submitting it.
Show That You Understand the History (40 points)
I want to see that you understand the historical experiences of African Americans in North Carolina during the period we studied.
A strong essay:
● Accurately discusses the historical events and developments you choose.
● Explains what happened and why it mattered.
● Shows an understanding of the experiences of African Americans in North Carolina.
● Avoids major historical inaccuracies.
Use Evidence From Our Course (40 points)
Your essay must use evidence from at least THREE topics from Weeks 2–6.
You can use:
● Course readings
● Primary sources
● Videos/documentaries
● Class discussions
● Other assigned course materials
Be specific! Instead of simply saying, “African Americans faced discrimination,” give an example from something we studied and explain what it shows.
Analyze the History (40 points)
This is where you move beyond simply telling me what happened.
Ask yourself:
● How did African American experiences change over time?
● What remained the same?
● What does this history reveal about freedom and equality?
● How did African Americans respond to racial inequality and restrictions on their freedom?
● How are the different topics from Weeks 2–6 connected?
Your essay should explain the significance of the evidence you provide.
Organize Your Ideas Clearly (20 points)
Your essay should:
● Have a clear main argument or central idea.
● Use organized paragraphs.
● Move logically from one idea to the next.
● Include an introduction and conclusion.
● Be written in clear, readable sentences.
You do not need to write a perfect paper. Minor grammar or spelling errors will not hurt your grade as long as your ideas are clear.
Follow the Assignment Directions (10 points)
Before submitting, make sure you have:
☐ Written 2–3 full pages
☐ Used at least THREE topics from Weeks 2–6
☐ Used specific evidence from our course materials
☐ Answered the essay question
☐ Explained your evidence rather than simply summarizing it
☐ Included your own analysis and ideas