Instructions: ( Read carefully )

TOPIC: WHAT LED TO THE FALL OF THE byzantine empire

• 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

• 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.