Putting BC on the Map

From the syllabus:

The “Putting BC on the Map” assignments ask you to identify, place, and explain significant topics in British Columbian history. You will complete and submit any two of the three opportunities to do so:

You do not need to inform me ahead of time which two you have chosen to complete. This flexibility is intended to enable you to make the choice that is best for your term’s workload. However, I encourage you to consider completing the Unit I assignment so that you get feedback from me early in the term and don’t leave all of the coursework to the end!

Each “Putting BC on the map” assignment will include two components:

• A map of British Columbia, on which you have accurately situated and clearly labelled six places connected to content (lectures, discussions, assigned reading, etc.) in the relevant unit of the course. You will select these six places from a list of possibilities, compiled by the class throughout the unit and posted by me on Canvas [see below]. They might be anything that you could reasonably situate on a map (cities, towns, geographical features, regions, territories, sites, etc). You might need to look up the specific location of the place in order to situate it accurately on the map. I will distribute a blank map in the first week of term, both in class and on Canvas [see below]; you are encouraged to use this, either annotating it by hand and then scanning it, or annotating it digitally.
• Approximately three written pages (typed, double-spaced, including footnotes as needed), in which you draw on course content to explain what happened at three of those places, and why it matters. In other words, you will pick three of the six places and, in approximately one page each, identify and explain the historical significance of these places or events that happened there. You must include properly formatted footnotes every time you use information, ideas, or specific wording/phrasing from any source. For the written portion of the assignment, you are only expected to use course materials (eg. lecture notes, readings); outside research will be neither required nor rewarded.

These assignments are due on Canvas in Word or PDF format on their respective deadlines – any two of (Unit I), (Unit II), and (Unit III). If you are not able to submit the map online, please speak with me ahead of the deadline to make alternative arrangements.

For each assignment, the map will be worth ~10% and the accompanying text ~30% per place, divided into ~10% for identification and ~20% for significance. In general, I will assess the map based on the accurate placement and clear labelling of six places drawn from the unit’s list compiled by the class; the text based on demonstrated knowledge and skills developed in the course (~45% of writing total), analytical clarity, insight, and use of evidence (~45% of writing total), and written expression (~10% of writing total); and the overall assignment for adherence to instructions and principles of academic integrity (required to pass). I will distribute a more detailed marking rubric in class and on Canvas.
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Blank map of British Columbia

• Click for a blank map of British Columbia in PDF format.
• Click  for the same map in JPG format if you would prefer.
• I will also distribute paper copies of this map in Week 1.

Use any of these options as your base map for the assignment. I recommend either annotating the file digitally OR annotating the paper copy and then scanning it. If you have any questions or concerns about the technological aspect of this assignment, please contact me as soon as possible. I will be very happy to help or strategize alternatives as needed.

List of Places – Unit III

You will select the places from a list that will be compiled by me (as per the revised syllabus) and updated here each week. Stay tuned!