HIST 1195: World History to 1500 (Christie)

Choosing a topic

Assignments 3 and 4 require you to think more deeply about an aspect of the course content that interests you and that you would like to investigate further. In the process, you must choose to focus on one of the following two topics:

1. Compare two historical figures from two different continents (e.g. the Frankish emperor Charlemagne and the Muslim caliph Harun al-Rashid). What similarities do they share, and how can these be explained?
   OR
2. Compare two societies from two different continents (e.g. Tang China and Mayan Mesoamerica). What similarities do they share, and how can these be explained?

Assignment 3

Once you have chosen a topic, prepare a proposal for an argumentative essay. Your proposal should include:

1. A short description of your proposed approach to the topic, including an outline of the main points that you expect to focus on and a draft thesis statement (max. 300 words). 
2. A draft bibliography. This is your opportunity to show your instructor that you have made good progress on your research.

Assignment 4

Write a 1,400-1,600 word argumentative essay that builds off the foundation you outlined in your proposal (Assignment 3). See the Research requirements section below for more information.

Research requirements

You are expected to conduct additional research to support your argumentative essay. Include at least five sources in your bibliography. At least two should be academic books (print or e-books) and the other three should be either academic books or academic journal articles. 

The course textbook, lectures, and downloadable primary sources do not count towards this number, but you should still include them in your bibliography if they have been helpful in preparing your work.

Be sure to cite your sources in Chicago style.