HIST 100: Western Civilization – Pre-Modern
Dr. Kristin Heineman
TEXT ANALYSIS ASSIGNMENT II The following information should be used in preparing your writing assignment for this
course. Requirements and topics appear below, along with some tips about writing history
papers.
Assignment Requirements and Deadlines Students are required to write one (1) paper, called a text analysis, based on assigned readings
for this course. As noted on the syllabus, this assignment is worth 20% of your final grade in
the class. If you already submitted Text Analysis 1, then you are not required to write Text
Analysis 2. If you did not submit Text analysis 1, then you must submit Text analysis 2. If
you submit both Text Analysis 1 and 2, then the lower of the two grades will be dropped.
As noted on the syllabus Course Schedule, Text Analysis II is due on Sunday of Module 12.
Text Analysis I was due on Sunday of Module 7 at 11:59pm. You may not submit Text
Analysis I after the deadline has passed. The Text Analysis paper should be submitted online
through Canvas by 11:59pm on the day it is due. If you would like feedback, please email me
a copy one week before it is due. Students requesting an extension on the due date for the
paper provide acceptable documentation.
The topics for Text Analysis II appear below. The format, grading criteria, lateness policy,
and other instruction will be the same for both assignments.
Format and Presentation Requirements: Your Text Analysis should meet the following requirements:
4 pages of text (i.e. 1,200-1,500 words), typewritten or word processed
Double spaced with standard font (Times New Roman, size 12)
Standard margins (1 inch top and bottom, left and right sides)
A separate title page should include the following information: your name, HIST 100, Text
Analysis I (or II), some sort of fancy-schmancy title.
If you use sources other than those assigned for this class in completing this assignment, you
will need to provide a list of those sources (Bibliography) on a separate page at the end of
your paper. Additional research is, however, not required.
Your paper will include an Introduction in which you will outline your argument in a thesis
statement. Be sure to mention the author and the text you plan to analyze. Your thesis
statement should NOT be in the form of a question – turn your questions into assertions. A
thesis statement is generally the last sentence of your first paragraph.
Each body paragraph (you will probably have at least 3-4) should start with a topic sentence
(the main point of the paragraph) and be supported with direct evidence from the text either
in “quotations” or summarized. Either way, the evidence must be cited (as noted below). Be
sure to have AT LEAST ONE piece of evidence for each claim.
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Finish your paper with a conclusion. Don’t add new information here, just summarize your
main points.
Sources for the Text Analysis: This writing assignment requires you to analyze the primary source documents assigned for
the course, as found under the “Primary Resource” tab in the on-line textbook. It does NOT
require additional research or the use of readings other than those assigned for the class. If
you decide to consult readings or sources other than those assigned for the class, please be
sure to cite them fully and accurately, according to the citation requirements indicated below.
Citation Requirements You will be expected to use parenthetical citation in your Text Analysis. The purpose of these
citations is to indicate to your readers where you found specific information that you have
included in your paper, whether from the assigned readings or textbook. As long as you are
using those sources, your citation need only include the author’s name and the section number
of text on which the information appears. For example:
According to Plato, Socrates told the jury that he knew he had no wisdom, small
or great, (Plato, 4.1).
The Epic of Gilgamesh “depicts a world ruled by polytheistic gods and their
demands of humanity,” (Margolf and Heineman, Early Near East and Egypt).
If you use material from sources other than these, including sources on the Internet, you will
need to provide additional information about those sources. A style sheet with examples of
citation will be posted on Canvas. If the style sheet does not indicate how to cite a particular
type of source that you used, you are expected to consult the writing guides listed below
and/or ask me.
Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism As noted on the syllabus, academic dishonesty or plagiarism of any kind for this assignment
may result in a grade of ‘F’ for the course or other penalties deemed appropriate by me. For
further information about the definition of plagiarism, see the General Catalog, pp. 8-9, found
here: http://www.catalog.colostate.edu/Content/files/2012/FrontPDF/1.6POLICIES.pdf
Grading Criteria Please see the Rubric below for details. The major areas of assessment include: the clarity
and degree of critical analysis of your argument, the use of evidence, ability to interpret and
analyze the evidence, organization of ideas, correct and complete references, and writing
style.
Questions? I am happy to answer any questions you may have about this assignment prior to the due
date, so please come see us or email us!!!
Additional Resources for Help in Writing Your Paper: Hacker, Diana. A Pocket Style Manual (Shelf Reserve Morgan Library)
http://www.catalog.colostate.edu/Content/files/2012/FrontPDF/1.6POLICIES.pdf
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-see also the related website at www.dianahacker.com/pocket
-contains chapters on grammar, punctuation, and clarity in writing
Strunk, William and White, E.B. The Elements of Style (Shelf Reserve Morgan Library)
-contains chapters on usage and composition, as well as examples of many common
writing errors – and how to avoid them!
CSU Writing Center: Room 6, Eddy Hall; website at http://writing.colostate.edu/wcenter/
-if you seek help at the Writing Center, be sure to bring this handout with you!
Topics for Text Analysis II – Choose ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. What does the General Capitulary for the Missi reveal about Charlemagne’s vision of himself and his empire? In what ways were his Christian beliefs central to both?
Why might Charlemagne have considered it necessary for all freemen to swear an
oath of fidelity to him as emperor? How was the notion of fidelity crucial to the
success of his government? What do the articles suggest about the means by
which Charlemagne sought to unify his empire? Use Charlemagne’s General
Capitulary for the Missi in Primary Resources, Chapter 8.
2. In Robert the Monk’s version of Pope Urban II’s Speech at the Council at Clermont, why would Urban II’s claim that the land of the Franks was “too narrow for its
large population” have been an important issue for the Crusaders? In what ways
were the Crusaders examples of international cooperation? What specific
grievances does Urban II direct at the Muslims? Use Robert the Monk’s Pope
Urban II’s Call for Crusades in Primary Resources, Chapter 9.
3. In Giovanni Boccaccio’s Decameron how did civil order break down during the plague? How does the narrator try to explain why the plague happened? What are
some of the things people through might save them from the plague? What sort of
effects would this situation have on civilization? Use Boccaccio’s Decameron in
Primary Resources, Chapter 11
4. In Chaucer’s Pardoner’s Prologue, what methods does the Pardoner use to convince people to buy his indulgences? Why might these methods have been effective?
From the Pardoner’s tale, what do you learn about saints’ relics? Although the tale
is satiric, it is filled with examples of abuses in the church of Chaucer’s day. What
examples are described? Use Chaucer’s Pardoner in Primary Resources,
Chapter 11.
http://www.dianahacker.com/pocket
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Some Rules for Successful Writing Assignments:
1. Spell out time references: “seventh century” instead of “7th century.”
2. Hyphenate time references correctly, according to their use in the sentence: “The Trojan
War is thought to have occurred in the twelfth-century BC.” (adjective). “In the twelfth
century, war was a constant threat to society.” (noun).
3. When using brief quotations, remember to use quotation marks to indicate clearly when
you are reproducing someone else’s words verbatim:
As Spielvogel notes, “Women were citizens who could participate in most religious
cults and festivals,” (Spielvogel, 84).
4. Remember to cite specific material that you paraphrase – the ideas came from someone
else, even if you expressed or summarized in your own words!
5. Avoid slang, jargon and contractions (can’t, don’t, haven’t)
6. Remember to make the subjects and verbs agree in number, as well as nouns and
pronouns: “Scholars could circulate their ideas in print” rather than “A scholar could
circulate their ideas in print.”
7. Avoid run-on sentences, comma splices, and paragraphs that go on for 2-3 pages! (In
other words, think carefully about sentence structure, punctuation and paragraph
organization).
8. Avoid overuse of the passive voice (The cat was chased by the dog) in favor of the active
voice (the dog chased the cat). Active voice is more direct, more vivid and allows you to
use more verbs.
9. Remember to use the past tense where appropriate in writing about the past (which is
often!)
10. PLEASE PROOFREAD!!!!!!! ALREADY DID IT? DO IT AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!
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Writing Rubric
Writing Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
Ability to create a clear and critical argument
20.0 pts Exemplary Clear and concise thesis statement and each paragraph begins with a topic sentence that makes a claim.
17.0 pts Good Mostly clear and concise thesis statement and each paragraph begins with a topic sentence that makes a claim.
15.0 pts Proficient Missing some topic sentences and/or somewhat unclear thesis statement.
8.0 pts Ok Somewhat of an argument, but missing structure or clarity
0.0 pts Below Expectation No clear thesis and no topic sentences. Very descriptive.
20.0 pts
Ability use evidence effectively to support the argument 20.0 pts
Exemplary Effective use of evidence from the text that is relevant to the argument
17.0 pts Good Mostly effective use of evidence from the text that is relevant to the argument
15.0 pts Proficient Somewhat effective use of evidence
8.0 pts OK Use of evidence, but not always clear
0.0 pts Below Expectation Ineffective use of evidence and/or no evidence
20.0 pts
Ability to interpret evidence and demonstrate critical analysis
20.0 pts Exemplary The student demonstrated through interpretation how argument was supported by the evidence.
17.0 pts Good The student mostly demonstrated through interpretation how argument was supported by the evidence.
15.0 pts Proficient The student has somewhat interpreted the evidence to support their argument, but mostly assertion or description
8.0 pts OK Some interpretation of evidence, but largely description
0.0 pts No Marks Summary or description of text rather than interpretation and analysis
20.0 pts
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Writing Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion Organization of paper 10.0 pts
Exemplary Content was clearly thought-out and presented in a logical format. Information flowed well, with clear links between paragraphs and ideas.
7.0 pts Good Content was mostly thought-out and presented in a logical format. Information flowed well, with clear links between paragraphs and ideas.
5.0 pts Proficient Content was mostly well thought-out and presented with some linkages provided between paragraphs and ideas.
0.0 pts No Marks Content was not well-presented and format was illogical and difficult to read. Ideas are scattered with no linkages between content provided.
10.0 pts
Ability to properly locate and cite evidence
20.0 pts Exemplary Proper citations of ancient sources and all references to the text are cited.
17.0 pts Good Mostly proper citations of ancient sources and all references to the text are cited.
15.0 pts Proficient Citations are mostly free of errors and/or most references to the text are cited
8.0 pts OK Lots of errors but still references.
0.0 pts No Marks Incomplete and/or missing references
20.0 pts
Mechanics of writing 10.0 pts Exemplary Submission is grammatically correct with rare misspellings. Use of language is appropriate for the recommended audience. Avoids personal pronouns and contractions.
7.0 pts Good Few errors in spelling and grammar. Use of language is sometimes inappropriate for the recommended audience.
3.0 pts Proficient Some errors in spelling and grammar. Use of language is sometimes inappropriate for the recommended audience.
0.0 pts No Marks Poor spelling and grammar. Use of language inappropriate for the recommended audience.
10.0 pts
Total Points: 100.0
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