World: First Essay Assignment

First Essay Assignment

World History: Transportation and Domination

September 28, 2006

Points: 15% of final grade

Due: Thursday, October 12

Drafts accepted until: Thursday, October 5

For the first formal writing assignment in World History, students are to choose a method of transportation relevant to the time periods we have covered and describe how that form of movement is significant to the development of human civilization. Possible forms of transportation may include, but are not limited to: upright walking, domesticated animals, rafts, canoes, sailing vessels, carts (the wheel and axle). Students interested in another form of transportation need to check first with the instructor before proceeding.

This writing assignment may take the form of a standard history paper – one that provides a thesis and develops an argument with a few, specific points. This type of paper generally follows the introduction, body, and conclusion format. Students may also choose to develop their topic idea in the form of a creative writing piece. This type of writing is more open ended, but requires the same, if not more, research than the thesis-style paper. Either format must be historically accurate and reflect a significant degree of research.

Papers must be typed, one and a half spaced, in 12 point Times New Roman font, with one inch margins, and include a bibliography. A cover page is not required. The paper is to be 2-3 pages in length for 9^th and 10^th graders, and 3-4 pages in length for 11^th and 12^th graders.

Acceptable internet resources include: Wikipedia.org, peer-reviewed journals, National Geographic, National Public Radio (NPR), Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), and college and university websites.

Students are welcome to submit draft copies of their papers for my comments or suggestions, but these must be turned in one week before the final due date (see the dates above).

Please recall that the late policy for this class: papers will lose 5% for every day late.