Write a thoughtful and well-written 1-2 page (about 250-500 words) analysis responding to the topic
I’m trying to learn for my History class and I’m stuck. Can you help?
Assignment: Write a thoughtful and well-written 1-2 page (about 250-500 words) analysis responding to the topic (below) and please try to submit the assignment by the end of Week 1 (Sunday, August 30th) if possible (you can still submit it after that).
NOTE: This is an opening assignment that will hopefully get you thinking about history and how you will approach history in this class and it will also act as writing practice–while you are not being “graded” on this assignment you will be getting feedback and this will be the start of working on your historical critical thinking and writing skills so please put your best effort into the writing assignment and let me know if you have any particular questions or concerns.
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Expectations: 1-2 page (about 250-500 words) of clear and strong quality writing, definitely proofread!, responding thoughtfully to the topic.
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Topic: How would you describe and analyze “Premodern” history in “Afroeurasia” as we studied it this week (the period between 1300-1500 specifically)?
*SPECIAL NOTE: This week’s assignment is deliberately very general and open-ended because I want you to start practicing your writing for the class without too much pressure–there’s absolutely no right or wrong answer here! (If you are unsure how/where to start on this please email me!)
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Tips: You can (but don’t have to!) consider any of the following:
- Was this period more or less stable than your perception of world history today? Why?
- What are the major similarities you see between the “premodern” world we studied this week and the world today?
- What are the major differences you see between the “premodern” world we studied this week and the world today?
- How do you think the “premodern” world could/should have been different? Why wasn’t it?
- What lessons, in particular, do you think we can learn from studying this premodern history to apply to our lives today? Explain.
*NOTE: Again, there are no right or wrong arguments; I just want you to practice making connections to produce a historical argument.
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Feedback: Your feedback, which will become part of your overall evaluation in this course, will be based on 5 criteria of emphasis–
1. POINT: This will be your specific response to the question (“Premodern history in “Afroeurasia” is best described as ______”). Usually 1 sentence; this is the thesis or topical sentence.
2. EVIDENCE: This is where you cite specific EVIDENCE to support your POINT. Remember, EVIDENCE is 1) factual (something that can be demonstrated to be accurate or related to your point), 2) contemporary (from the time period you are discussing or related to your point), and 3) relevant (relates to your topic and argument).
3. EVALUATION: Having explained your EVIDENCE you then need to tie your argument together by explaining how and why the EVIDENCE supports your POINT. This evaluation, or analysis, connects your argument together to form a strong circle: POINT-EVIDENCE-EVALUATION-POINT.
ARGUMENT: How well you are combining your point, evidence, and evaluation together to form an overall ARGUMENT. The clearer and more specific your connections between your POINT, EVIDENCE, and EVALUATION are the stronger your overall ARGUMENT will be to your audience.
WRITING: The quality of your WRITING doesn’t have to be perfect, but any argument is stronger when it is well-written so be sure to proofread for spelling, grammar, and word-choice.
POINTS: CANVAS LOVES USING POINTS EVEN IF I DON’T WANT TO. PLEASE NOTE:
- THE RUBRIC “POINTS” ARE NOT COUNTED AND THE RUBRIC TOTAL WILL NOT FACTOR INTO YOUR FINAL GRADE! IT’S JUST A WAY TO GET A SENSE OF AREAS OF STRENGTH AND AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT.
- THE ASSIGNMENT POINT (1 POINT) IS BASED ON WHETHER YOU HAVE SUBMITTED THE ASSIGNMENT AND I PROVIDED YOU FEEDBACK–IT IS OTHERWISE MEANINGLESS!
Rubric
Week 1 Writing Assignment Rubric
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePointIs the thesis statement/point clear, specific, strong, and is it related to the proposed topic? |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeEvidenceIs the cited evidence clear, specific, accurate, and related to the point/topic? And, if necessary, is the evidence cited correctly? |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeEvaluationIs there a historical interpretation communicated that employs connections, perspectives, ideas, and/or themes to provide effective analysis and evaluation of historical information? |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeArgumentIs the overall assignment synthesizing, or connecting, ideas/arguments, evidence, and analytical/evaluative information into a coherent whole–effectively connecting POINT, EVIDENCE, and EVALUATION together? |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritingDoes the writing use correct spelling, proper grammar and formatting, and clearly and effectively communicate the writer’s argument to their audience? |
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