History, Wasif and the History of Jerusalem: explain what Wasif’s life tells us

Joining the Conversation: Wasif and the History of Jerusalem

In a 750 word essay, introduce the main historical narratives about Israel and Palestine, and explain what Wasif’s life tells us about them.  You don’t need an introduction or a conclusion, and you should not do any outside research.  You only need these paragraphs:

First, summarize the Zionist and Palestinian narratives about their history.   Do this using our Gelvin reading, and include one quote from Gelvin about each of these narratives, or national myths. Keep this part simple.

 

Second, introduce Wasif using the article by Tamari.  Present at least five or six basic biographical details, like we did with Equiano in class.  Provide a page citation for each detail.

 

Third, summarize Tamari’s argument about Wasif.  (If you can’t figure it out, focus on the title of the article: “Jerusalem’s Ottoman Modernity.”)  Once you’ve done this, explain whether you think Tamari’s argument supports or challenges one or both of the narratives you discuss in the first paragraph.

 

Finally, use Wasif’s diary excerpt to make a Claim/Evidence/Warrant paragraph that relates to any of the things you have discussed in the previous paragraphs.  You can point out something new, agree with or challenge Tamari, or back up one or the other of the narratives.  The point is that your argument must connect the primary source (Wasif’s diary) to the secondary sources (Gelvin and Tamari).  This paragraph MUST include a quote from the diary.

Things to Remember:

1. Using the Claim/Evidence/Warrant Structure

In the last assignment, I said that the C/E/W structure is an adaptable outline that you can use anywhere.  Here it is again.  This time, you can think about it like this:

1. A claim that clearly states your main idea, view, or position on something. In this case, it is your original thought about Wasif’s diary.  Present your idea in a simple sentence that begins your paragraph.
2. The evidence that supports your claim. Mention at least three things in the excerpt that back up your claim.  This is where you should introduce and discuss your Wasif quote.  All of these things get citations.
3. A warrant, which connect the dots between your proof and your claim. Tell us why we have to reach the same conclusion as you about the evidence you have shown.
4. Transitions

This essay covers lots of different topics.  They are all connected, of course, but it is your job as a writer to help your reader see the links between each of the things you discuss.  One way to do this is to put a transition word in the first sentence of each paragraph, that spells out exactly how the new paragraph relates to what you’ve already said.  See the document on Blackboard for more on how to do this.