The CONTINUITY and
CHANGE OVER TIME
ESSAY
The BIG PICTURE.
The ripple effect.
The Change-Over-Time Essay
 One free response question deals with
continuity AND change over time.
 In the essay you also give an analysis of the
dynamics (causes and other factors) of change
and continuity.
Writing time: 40 minutes
The Change-Over-Time Essay
 Underline, box, and/or note the key parts of the prompt.
 Write 2 examples or types of change & a piece of historical
evidence for each change.
 For one of the changes, write a reason why the change took place
or a possible result.
 Write 2 examples or types of continuity & a piece of historical
evidence for each change.
 Write a thesis statement that contains the main elements of
change and continuity from above.
 Define the topic at the starting point of the time period specified.
(2 or 3 sentences)
COT Essay Structure
1. Introduction with thesis – Prove something!
2. Be sure to answer all parts of the question (Change, continuities, political,
economic, etc.)
3. Using a three stage frame work for your body paragraphs:
Body paragraph #1: Set the stage. Discuss the characteristics of first
“chunk” of time.
Body paragraph #2: Describe a turning point in that society. It does not
necessarily have to be in the middle of the period, but
should be a source of change. Discuss the immediate
impact of this turning point.
Body paragraph #3: Discuss the characteristics of second “chunk” of time.
Explain the impact of the turning point and analyze-why
they occurred? (Both change and continuity)
4. Use a minimum of 5 or 6 pieces of evidence for each part of your essay. This
evidence should include both changes and continuities.
5. In conclusion, the essay must connect to the big picture (the global context).
The Change-Over-Time Essay
Intro paragraph
 DEFINE the topic at the starting point:
In the first few sentences, describe the beginning point of
the topic under analysis.
 Include your thesis
- Make sure that your thesis responds directly to the
prompt and includes both CHANGE and CONTINUITY.
- Make sure your thesis answers the question and attempts
to prove something.
 Mention time periods.
Example of an introduction
and thesis
The interaction between nomadic and settled peoples has
affected world history for thousands of years. Between the
years 600 and 1450, China was greatly influenced by nomadic
peoples. The invasion of the Mongols led to the creation of the
world’s largest empire and influenced China politically,
economically and socially. Throughout the rule of the Mongols
and the recovery after, however, China was able to maintain its
unique identity and culture.
Change Over Time Essay
Question: Discuss the changes and
continuities of the political and economic
systems of ONE of the following areas from
the years 500 BCE- 1450 CE.
South Asia (India)
West Africa
East Asia (China, Japan)
THESIS:
The interaction with Muslim merchants starting in 700 CE transformed West
Africa from decentralized tribes into powerful Kingdoms with extensive
economic wealth that played a major role in the world. However, they
maintained rule by native leaders and continued the slave trade.
The Change-Over-Time Essay
If the prompt is:
Analyze the changes and continuities in world trade
systems from 1450 to 1750.
Your thesis might read:
Around 1450 Asia and the Ottomans ruled the seas and
land routes were still popular but by 1750 there were major
changes in world trade as the Americas were connected to
Eurasia and as Western Europeans began to dominate
global sea trade. However, the overland trade routes of Asia
continued to flourish.
The Change-Over-Time Essay
You could write:
One major change in world trade was the opening of the
Americas. World trade was altered not only in its patterns but
its products. The precious metals and crops of the Americas
and the Atlantic slave trade from West Africa to the Americas
provided new wealth for Europeans.
Another change was European dominance of the Indian Ocean
trade. First the Portuguese, then the Spanish, Dutch, and
English replaced Arab merchants as the carriers of goods in
the Indian Ocean.
The Change-Over-Time Essay
You could write:
A continuity in world trade includes the overland
routes of Asia. Since the classical period, the
products of Asia like silk and porcelain moved
along the Silk Roads that connected East Asia to
the Middle East.
The Change-Over-Time Essay
ANALYSIS of the Change or Continuity means that
you give reasons for the change or continuity OR
why the changes happened.
Why did Europeans control the Americas?
Why didn’t the Chinese stop European
advancement?
What made the Silk Roads last so long as a
trade route?
The Change-Over-Time Essay
If one of your pieces of evidence was . . . First the Portuguese, then the
Spanish, Dutch, and English replaced Arab merchants as the carriers of
goods in the Indian Ocean.
You could analyze this by writing. . .
The innovations and advancements in ship building and firepower
allowed the Europeans to overwhelm East African and Asian ships
and trading ports.
Or
Though the Ming Chinese had the technology to control Asian sea
trade, they chose instead to continue to make profits by allowing
others to carry the goods to and from their ports. This gave the
Europeans a chance to gain control over East African, Arab, and
Indian merchants.
Evidence and analysis
Example of Environmental Change 1450-1750: There was a significant
change to the global environment through the spread of plants and
animals in this period.
Evidence: For example, several food crops, like the potato and corn,
became a staple in many regions (China) after its introduction from the
Americas.
Analysis: A population explosion resulted in China from these new
food crops which created some of the social problems leading to the
end of the Qing dynasty.
More On Analysis
Tell Why
·
Analyze the changes over time and the continuities
·
Analysis means asking and answering why the changes and continuities
occurred.
·
Analysis works best when it is integrated into the body paragraphs.
·
Your essay should include the word because. “This is significant
because…This changed over time because…
Continuities and Conclusion
• Continuities need to be relevant. If the essay prompt
asked you to discuss economic aspects, the continuity
should relate to economics.
•Continuities need to be across time periods.
•Include more than one continuity (in case one is incorrect)
• The conclusion should NOT be the same as the
introductory paragraph. Your conclusion is a summary of
the main points that you made in your essay.
Global Context
In other words, what else is happening in the world?
The global context point can be earned by effectively showing:
·
Comparisons to other regions
·
Connection to global processes
·
Interaction among regions
A simple statement is all that is required to earn this point.
· Ex: Mongol women, like European women, did not bind their feet as the
Chinese women did.
Words to express change/continuity:
Change
Modify
Evolves
Flux
Adapt
Turning point
Varies
Continuity
After
Emerged
Differed
Reform
Transform
Shifted
Still
Constant
Remained
Stable
Secure
Consistent
Carried over
Maintained
Throughout
Continued
Status Quo
Invariable
The whole time
Our Essay Topic
In the time periods 600-1750 (Units II and III) the Western World went through a
number of changes. These changes brought Western Europe from isolation to
playing a major role in world affairs. For this essay you will:
• Give a detailed analysis of Western Europe in the time period 600-1450
addressing the political, economic and social factors that guided Western
development.
• Discuss how Western Europe changed from 600-1450 to 1450-1750. Once
again, you should address the major political, economic, and social themes.
Idea for Structuring Your Essay
• Introduction paragraph with a thesis
Example of a thesis: From 600-1450 W. Europe was politically
_______________, economically _______________, and socially
___________________ but as a result of _____________________
from 1450-1750 it became _______________, ________________,
and ___________________.However, W. Europe remained
_____________________.
• Body Paragraph discussing W. Europe politically, socially, and economically in
Unit 2
• Paragraph stating AND analyzing a causation of change
• Body Paragraph discussing W. Europe politically, socially, and economically in
Unit 3
• Paragraph discussing the continuities (what is still present in unit 3 that was
there in unit 2)
• Conclusion
CHART: CHANGE OVER TIME
1ST CIVILIZATION & TIME PERIOD: Europe 600-1450
2ND CIVILIZATION & TIME PERIOD: Europe 1450-1750
Basic Features in 1st
Time Period
POLITICAL
ECONOMIC
Decentralized
Feudalism
Power of Catholic
Church
Absolutism
Limited
monarchies
Parliament
Rise of nations
Manorialism
Lack of trade
*Crusades(cause of
Exploration
Columbian
Exchange
Mercantilism
Coercive labor
Commercial Rev.
Inflation of silver
change)
RELIGIOUS
Basic Features in
2nd Time Period
Unity under
Catholic Church
Protestant
Reformation
Counter Catholic
Reformation
Key Changes
Key
Continuities
- Centralization
- Still fragmented
- Decline of the power of
the church
- Not
homogenous (like
China)
-Truly global
- Drastic increase in
trade
- Importance of silver,
sugar, and slaves
- Sea-based empires
-Power of the church
declines
- Power of monarchs
increases
- Need and want
for eastern goods
- Land routes
continued
- Religion still
important to
people
Basic Features in 1st
Time Period
Basic Features in 2nd Time
Period
Key
Key
Continuities
Changes
SOCIAL
Rigid structure
(Nobles-KnightsMerchants/ArtisansSerfs)
*Black Death
(cause of change)
INTELLECT
OR ARTS
Gothic architecture
Painting about
religion
Eyeglasses,
gunpowder,
printing press
Population Growth
Urbanization
Rise of merchant class
Proletariat class
Cultural Diffusion
Renaissance
Secularism
Vernacular
Enlightenment
Scientific Revolution
Sailing/navigational
technology
Women
become
merchants
Education
More social
mobility
Population
increase
cities
- Humanism
- Secularism
- Questioning
spirit
Women still
inferior
Landed
aristocracy
Social
structure
- Modes of
expression
Change Over Time Essay Rubric
BASIC CORE
EXPANDED CORE
Points
1) Has acceptable thesis. (Addresses the global issues and the time
period specified.)
1
2) Addresses all parts of the question (though not necessarily evenly
or thoroughly)
2
(1)
· Addresses most parts of the question
2
3) Substantiates thesis with appropriate historical evidence
· Partially substantiates thesis with appropriate historical evidence
4) Uses relevant world historical context effectively to explain
change over time and/or continuity.
5) Analyzes the process of change over time and/or continuity.
Subtotal
Points
Expands beyond basic core of 1 to 7 points. A student must earn 7 points in the
basic core area before earning points in the expanded core area.
Examples:
Has a clear, analytical, and comprehensive thesis.
Addresses all issues of the question (as relevant): global context, chronology,
causation, change, continuity, effects, content.
Addresses all parts of the question evenly.
Provides ample historical evidence to substantiate the thesis.
Provides links with relevant ideas, events, and trends in an innovative way.
0-2
(1)
1
1
7
Subtotal
2
TOTAL
9