Yokohama Boomtown Curriculum, Lesson 02
Amity and Commerce?
Handout 02-B | Printer-friendly PDF file | Printer-friendly Word doc
Final Assessment—Visual Essay
Objectives:
Now that you have analyzed the Harris Treaty for its intent and implications, your final job is to create a visual essay illustrating the impact/result of this treaty from either the Japanese or American perspective.
Format:
Your visual essay may be completed in PowerPoint, as a Word document, or a Publisher article.
Requirements:
1. You should develop a “thesis” statement explaining the view you will illustrate using images from the Essay.
2. You should have at least five images that support your thesis.
3. For each image you select, include its origin and write a statement beneath it explaining how this particular image supports your thesis statement.
4. Be sure your images clearly defend your viewpoint. Show your peers your essay before submitting it to see if it makes sense to them.
5. Be prepared to share and defend your thesis.
What is a thesis statement?
• A thesis tells readers how you interpret the significance of the subject—in this case, the impact of the Harris Treaty.
• A strong thesis defines your point of view, provides a focus, and grabs the interest of your reader.
How do photographs or images defend a thesis?
The thesis can be seen as a destination, while the photographs or images are the street and highway signs, or a map. You can’t get to the destination without directions and signs along the way.
Lesson developed by Meredith Melzer.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology © 2008 Visualizing Cultures