Chapter Analysis Papers: Students are required to write, then submit online to each unit’s Chapter Paper drop-box, the following writing assignment: chapter analysis essays, on a weekly basis, required length 500 words, approx. 1 single-spaced page; points off if less than 500 words, no extra credit for excessive length; extra credit always for insightful discussion and good command of facts. In this weekly paper, you have two tasks: (1) summarize information that you found in the unit’s textbook chapter on any two topics, utilizing the list of recommended topics given below, and (2) add your own personal commentary and analysis. The commentary can be about one of your topics, about something else in the chapter, your general view of the civilization(s) in the chapter, or a comparison with another civilization or modern-day life in America or elsewhere. Papers should start with an intro paragraph explaining what you will write about, then one paragraph per topic, and a final commentary paragraph.
The basic structure should be: intro paragraph (what the chapter is about, in general, and what I am writing about, in particular, my topics for the paper), paragraph on topic 1 (summary of chapter info on topic), paragraph on topic 2 (summary of chapter info), (other topic paragraph if you are interested), ending with personal commentary/analysis (what I like/dislike about this civilization, how it compares to the modern world, or other things that I think are important about this civilization and why.) Remember, you have two key tasks. (1) Report on 2-3 topics (the summarizing task), drawing on information in the chapter. (2) Provide a personal commentary, drawing on the thinking ability in your own personal brain. Students most often fall short and lose points on the commentary part of the paper, so make extra effort on this. Please begin paper with an introductory paragraph, as it makes your essay more pleasant to read and easier to grade.
1. People: Write about one or more important persons in the chapter, such as kings, religious leaders, artists, others, or explore social structure, gender relations, social classes, etc..
2. Places: Write about one or more important places in the chapter, ranging from the type of natural environment(s) involved in the civilization(s) under discussion, to cities, sites of major events, major buildings or monuments, areas explored, conquered or colonized, why important.
3. Events: Write about one or more important events that take place, such as development of agriculture, wars, migrations, social transformations, and explain their significance.
4. Ideas: Write about one or more important ideas or beliefs, whether religious, philosophical, scientific or otherwise, that play a major role in the chapter, and explain the impact(s).
5. Art and Literature: Describe art or literature that plays a major role in the civilization explored in the chapter, and explain its significance for this civilization.
6. Trade and Economy: Describe the role that trade and economic factors played in the course of the civilization explored in the chapter.
7. Science and Technology: Describe the development of science and technology in the civilization explored in the chapter, and explain the impact.
