Primary Source Analysis: ‘The Jungle’ by Upton Sinclair

Assignment Overview:

Upton Sinclairs The Jungle exposed the harsh realities of the meatpacking industry and sparked major Progressive Era reforms. In this assignment, you will analyze the text as a primary source to understand working-class conditions, industrial capitalism, and reform movements in the early 20th century.

Your Task:

Write a 23 page analysis that:

• Identifies Sinclairs purpose in writing The Jungle
• Examines what the text reveals about labor, immigration, poverty, and industrialization
• Explains how this source reflects Progressive Era concerns
• Discusses the impact the book had on policy and public opinion

Uses specific quotes (with page numbers if available)

Rubric

The Jungle Rubric

The Jungle Rubric

CriteriaRatingsPtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Understanding of Text & Purpose

25 to >22.5 pts

Excellent

Clearly identifies Sinclairs purpose; deeply explains themes of labor, immigration, poverty, industrialization.

22.5 to >20.0 pts

Proficient

Addresses most themes; generally clear understanding.

20 to >17.5 pts

Developing

Limited explanation; misses key themes.

17.5 to >0 pts

Needs Improvement

Misinterprets text; missing major elements.

25 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Progressive Era Connections

15 to >13.5 pts

Excellent

Strong explanation of how the book reflects Progressive concerns.

13.5 to >12.0 pts

Proficient

Good connections with minor gaps.

12 to >10.5 pts

Developing

Surface-level connections.

10.5 to >0 pts

Needs Improvement

Little to no connection made.

15 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Use of Quotes & Evidence

20 to >18.0 pts

Excellent

Uses specific quotes with page numbers; evidence strongly supports analysis.

18 to >16.0 pts

Proficient

Quotes used but may lack depth or integration.

16 to >14.0 pts

Developing

Minimal or general evidence; missing page numbers.

14 to >0 pts

Needs Improvement

No textual evidence.

20 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Impact on Policy & Public Opinion

15 to >13.5 pts

Excellent

Thorough explanation of public reaction and policy outcomes (Pure Food & Drug Act, Meat Inspection Act).

13.5 to >12.0 pts

Proficient

Some explanation with minor detail gaps.

12 to >10.5 pts

Developing

Limited or vague explanation.

10.5 to >0 pts

Needs Improvement

Incorrect or missing information.

15 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Organization & Writing Quality

15 to >13.5 pts

Excellent

Clear structure, strong thesis, polished writing.

13.5 to >12.0 pts

Proficient

Mostly organized; minor clarity issues.

12 to >10.5 pts

Developing

Some organization problems; writing inconsistent.

10.5 to >0 pts

Needs Improvement

Disorganized; hard to follow

15 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Formatting & Requirements

10 to >9.0 pts

Excellent

Clear structure, strong thesis, polished writing.

9 to >8.0 pts

Proficient

Mostly organized; minor clarity issues.

8 to >7.0 pts

Developing

Some organization problems; writing inconsistent.

7 to >0 pts

Needs Improvement

Disorganized; hard to follow

10 pts