Instructions: ( Read carefully )

TOPIC: WHAT LED TO THE FALL OF THE byzantine empire

Objectives

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a historically relevant topic/question
Demonstrate research skills by providing relevant information to support their interpretation and argument of historical question

Details

Students will begin by selecting a topic of their choice covered during the course
Students will then develop an historically relevant question that analyzes various aspects of Western Civilizations
Students will need to develop questions that address questions of how or why rather than factually based questions, students want to an analytical essay and not a report
Students must then locate at least 10 sources (5 primary and 5 secondary) that will assist them in answering their question(s)
Primary source material includes sources from the period being studied and can include, but are not limited to: letters, histories, journals, paintings, architecture, sculpture, etc.
Acceptable secondary source material would include, but not limited to scholarly journal articles, appropriate scholarly databases and websites (official museums and libraries), historical documentaries that demonstrate rigorous scholarly research, etc.
Students should consult the assigned reader, online librarian, or instructor for assistance in obtaining sources
Students will then write a formal 2500-3000-word analytical essay that presents a clear argument or thesis that may be supported by secondary and primary sources
Essays should be submitted as a PDF or DOCX
Format should include Times New Roman 12-in font, standard margins, and double spaced
Proper citations should be used for all references made to sources along with a Works Cited page using the Chicago style
RUBRIC:

Follow all points for a good grade:

Thesis: The purpose of the project is clear. The audience has a clear idea of the point of the project.

Subject Knowledge and Perspective: The quality of the project exhibits expert knowledge and accuracy of the historical figures, events, and/or eras. The perspective (or point of view) is realistic and research-based.

Sources: The sources used were appropriate and added substantial research and information to the project. At least five primary sources and five secondary sources were used.

Overall Production, including Writing: The project exhibits outstanding evidence of clear and creative originality. All written aspects of the project are of high professional quality, including grammar, punctuation, spelling, and paragraph construction