Modern World History – Honors
Summer Assignment 2015
Welcome to Modern World History Honors. This required course represents the foundation of the
Social Studies program at the High School. The course is designed to give students an international
perspective on the historical forces that have shaped the global community from the 1300s to the
present.
Honors courses are designed for highly-motivated students with above-average critical thinking, reading,
writing, and oral communication skills. These courses are designed to challenge students for future
expectations in an Advanced Placement course. Students in these classes will examine topics in greater
depth with an emphasis on the evaluation of historical events.
Through this summer assignment you will explore the topic of historiography and its application to a
specific topic in history, the Muslim Dynasties. This formative assessment is intended to act as a
transition from middle school to high school. It will be the springboard for graded assessments that will
follow – therefore, it is essential that you complete this work to the best of your ability. Be prepared to
use the summer assignment for discussions and skill building on the first day of school.
THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST BE TYPED.
I. Historiography
1. the principles and methodology of historical research and presentation. 2. the writing of history
based on the analysis and selection of sources. 3. a body of historical literature.
A. Define each term by: composing a concise explanation (1-3 sentences) and connecting
their importance to the definition of historiography
Bias
Perspective
Revisionism (or Revisionist History)
Cultural relativism
Periodization
Transculturation
B. Based on your understanding of the terms above, provide a brief answer to the
following questions:
1) How would you interpret the saying, “Where you stand determines what you see” in an
historical context?
2) To what extent are primary sources reliable in their accuracy of events from the past?
3) Why is it easier for historians to agree on what happened than on why or how it occurred?
II. Reading Comprehension and Analysis - you will be asked to answer the following Essential
Question:
How did cultural diffusion affect the success of the Muslim Empires?
A. Read the Muslim World Expands, 1300-1700. Links to reading are available on the Social
Studies Department - Summer Assignment website
B. Top 3 Most Important Points of each Section
Imagine that you are talking to a classmate that did not read the chapter, but this
student needs a quick synopsis of the content in it. For each section, make a “Top 3 List” of the
most important key points from the reading by using succinct one sentence answers. You are
not allowed to use section headers – USE YOUR OWN WORDS.
This is an example if you were assigned a reading about the Middle Ages:
1 The Roman Catholic Church played a dominant role in Europe by strengthening its
social and political ties to Europe’s nobility.
C. Writing a Memorandum
Think of a memorandum as a “mini-essay”. Use the Memorandum Template, follow the
instructions and type a response to the Essential Question shown above. We will use this
strategy throughout the year to help you write formal essays.
Modern World
History
Memorandum (SAMPLE/MODEL)
Name: _________________________________
Date: ___________
Period: __________
Subject: _______________________
Question Presented: This will always be provided
Claim (Short Answer): 1-2 Sentences
Provide a concise answer to the question above.
Data (Statement of Facts): Min. 3 / Max. 5 – in complete sentences (chronological if applicable)
This is the evidence that will support the claim. It is important to use specific facts
that will strengthen the answer provided above. Make sure to number each one:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Analysis: 1 Paragraph
This is the elaboration of the Claim that interprets the Data with substantial relevant
information. In other words, using the content that has been learned and, through
multiple examples, interpreting the data to show how it supports the claim. Remember
that analyzing is NOT defining, it is making connections that defend a point of view.
Modern World
History
Memorandum
Name: _________________________________
Date: ___________
Period: __________
Subject: _______________________
Question Presented: How did cultural diffusion affect the success of the Muslim
Empires?
Claim (Short Answer): 1-2 Sentences
Data (Statement of Facts): Min. 3 / Max. 5 – in complete sentences (chronological if applicable)
Analysis: 1 Paragraph