The History of a Region in Five Objects
Overview
The assignment asks students to write the history of a region and period that they have chosen in a world history course using five objects. Each of the five objects should represent different aspects of the region and period chosen. The political, economic, technological, social and religious aspects of the topic should also be explained using the five objects. The resource includes a grading rubric.
Description and Expectations
You are to write the history of the region and period that you have chosen from the chapter that has been assigned to you by making use of 5 objects. Each of the 5 objects will have to represent different aspects of the region and period chosen. The political, economic, technological, social and religious aspects of the topic have to be explained using the 5 objects.
- Your paper should contain 5 sections - one section each for political, economic, technological, social, and religious aspects, and also an introduction (a paragraph dealing with the general features of the region and the era that is the topic of research) and a conclusion.
- Each section should contain a picture of the object followed by a description of 500-700 words (1.5-2.5 pages for each section) of the way in which the object brings forth a particular feature of the region.
- At the end of the 5th section, there should be a conclusion (300-400 words, 1-1.5 pages). It should deal with the importance of the topic and the ways in which the objects you have chosen gives a meaningful and apt picture of the region.
- Please make use of scholarly articles and books to bring forth the unique features of the period and the region.
- Cite your sources in Chicago Manual of Style.
Rubric
- Phase I - Identifying of topic and sources: 30
- The 5 Objects- Content: 60 points
- An introduction explaining the topic and relevance of the objects chosen: 10 points
- Coherence of the presentation: 10 points: (the student’s ability to present a common narrative thread in the various objects selected is key)
- Presents all facets of each required section (the political, the economic, technological, social and religious): 25 points
- Displays an in depth understanding of the topic: 5 points
- Spelling and grammar: 10 points
- Aesthetics: 10 points
- Layout: 5 points
- Use of pictures appropriate to the topic: 5 points
- Depth of Research: 30 points
- Cites appropriate Primary sources: 10 points
- Information in the book goes beyond the Textbook: 5 points
- Uses print and library’s online resources: 5 points
- Credibility of the Secondary sources: 5 points
- Chicago Manual of Style Citation: 5 points
- Extra Credit: 10 points
- Use of more than two primary sources (apart from the chosen objects): 5 points
- The accompanying articles contain more than 500 words each: 5 points (repetitive points and long convoluted sentences are to be avoided)
- Negative points:
- Late submission of project: 5 points off for each day
- Plagiarism is the surest way of getting a zero.
About This Resource
The sample assignment included here was submitted by a participant in a one-day workshop entitled, "Hot Topics in World History" for world history teachers hosted by the Alliance for Learning in World History. This was a draft document that may subsequently have been revised in light of feedback and discussion during the event.
This resource was contributed by Dr. Cynthia Parayil, Raritan Valley Community College.