Summer Project
AP World History
1. Obtain a copy of Guns, Germs and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared
Diamond. (A copy will be provided by the school upon request or you can get it
used from Amazon.com or Half Price Books. It is also available at the Columbia
High School Library and the East Greenbush Library).
1. The concept of AP World History is to focus on big ideas,
concepts, themes and trends of history. To get your mind
thinking in this direction, as you read selected chapters in Guns,
Germs and Steel you will create BOTH a written and illustrated
discussion of the “Big Ideas” in a journal. Written work should
be more than a summary of themes. It should be an analytical
and critical evaluation of ideas.
One page in your journal per chapter is sufficient
(½ a page for writing and ½ for the visual).
Be sure to write in well developed paragraphs
and elaborate your points.
2. You may use the following PBS website for support, but make sure the words are
exclusively your own. Any evidence of plagiarism will result in a grade of zero
and possible removal from the course for academic dishonesty. The website is.
(http://www.pbs.org/gunsgermssteel/index.html).
Hint: Focus on the big ideas. Do not get bogged down in the science.
I. Pre- reading Assignment: Before reading the book, record your answers to the
following questions in your journal:
1. What is your definition of world history?
2. What interests you about studying world history? What does
not?
3. Reflect on your study of history in 7th & 8th grade. What themes
were most prominent? Explain. Some examples include change,
roles of women, political conflict…
II. Reading Assignment: Read the prologue and any FIVE of the following
chapters. For each of the assigned chapters, including the prologue, summarize and
illustrate the big ideas. You can use your own artwork or a collage type method for
the visual representation of each chapter.
All students must read and write about the prologue and any 5 of the following
chapters. You are not required to read the whole book.
1. Chapter 1: Up to the Starting Line
2. Chapter 3: Collision at Cajamarca
3. Chapter 4: Farmer Power
4. Chapter 6: To farm or Not to Farm
5.
6.
7.
8.
Chapter 9: Zebras, Unhappy Marriages, and the Anna Karenina Principle
Chapter 11: The Lethal Gift of Livestock
Chapter 12: Blueprints and Borrowed Letters
Chapter 13: Necessity’s Mother
III. Post-reading Assignment:
After reading the book, answer the following questions in your journal.
1. What question is Jared Diamond trying to answer?
2. What is his thesis?
3. Is he successful in supporting his thesis? Why? Or Why not?
4. Is Guns, Germs and Steel the best title for this book? Why or Why not? What
other title would you give this book? Explain.
5. Would you recommend this book? To whom? Why or Why not?
6. Share any other reactions, thoughts or questions at the end of your journal.
If you have any questions or concerns feel free to e-mail me
anytime throughout the summer at McAloniewe@egcsd.org.
Important Note
Finished assignments may be turned in anytime before
August 2nd, 2010 to the Main Office at Columbia High School.
Please put your phone number on your work in case I have any
questions. Failure to turn in a satisfactory summer project by
August 2nd will result in your automatic withdrawal from the
course. Be prepared to reference the book in class discussion
and writing assignments during the first week of school in
September.