Success Academy Technology and Ideas Essay World Studies Essential Question: How have technology and ideas shaped world history? Learning Target: I will compose a five paragraph essay explaining the impact of one piece of technology or an idea on world history. You will compose a five paragraph essay examining the impact of one of the following technological advances. The Printing Press Vaccines Banking Democracy and Human Rights Thesis statement will need to be approved before beginning work on each essay. The Scientific Method The Factory Capitalism and Trade Intellectual Property Rights This is only a 5 paragraph essay, so though not extremely detailed, it should be factual and accurate and verifiable by the works cited described below. There should be an identifiable thesis statement that takes a specific position on the idea or technology and how either has shaped world history. You should use at least one quote from an expert, historian or intellectual in the field to support your thesis. Assume some basic knowledge of the topic by your reader. This is not a research paper and you should NOT simply discuss what ________ is, or recite the Wikipedia page, be sure to have a viewpoint or position to defend. Works Cited You are required to cite all your sources. Sources should be cited in a Works Cited in MLA format. All sources must be credible and reputable. Sources such as Wikipedia or personal blogs will not be accepted. You must cite at least 3 sources and should look at many more in your research. Projects will be submitted for a grade via the shared folder. Because this is a credit recovery class the highest grade you may receive is a “B” or “3.” Each section of the rubric must be scored as a “2” or “3” or the essay will have to be edited and resubmitted until that standard is met. Rubric Thesis Works Cited Support 3 2 1 0 Takes a clear, specific position on how the idea or technology has shaped world history. All facts are accurately cited in proper MLA format. Sources are credible and accurate and easily verifiable. It is easy to see where all information was gathered. Position is identifiable, but could be improved. Position is either not clear or not specific. Some facts are not cited, MLA format is questionable, and some sources are of questionable credibility. It can be difficult to see where information was found. Position taken is both unclear and very generic. Thesis is difficult to identify. Many facts are not cited, MLA format is not followed, and many sources are of questionable credibility. Finding where information was found is a chore or impossible. Does not take a position on how the idea has shaped world history. Supporting details connect clearly and directly to thesis. Details are based in fact and supported by sources or quotes. They are strong and difficult to refute. Together they fully defend the thesis. Supporting details vaguely connect to thesis. Facts and quotes could be stronger. The details could be improved to better defend or answer the thesis statement. Supporting details vaguely connect to the thesis. Details leave out direct quotes or facts that could improve the position taken on the technology or idea. Support does not connect directly to thesis. Support is not factual or has no sources connected to validate the argument. Many facts are not cited, MLA format is not followed, and many sources are of questionable credibility. Finding where information was found is a chore or impossible Standards Mastered with Completion (depending on topic chosen) Civics: • Students will evaluate the impact of various forms of government on people in world history (1450 to present). (1.2.3) • Students will analyze the relationships and tensions between national interests and international issues in world history. (1.3.1) History: • Students will analyze change and continuity within a historical time period. (4.1.1) • Students will analyze how individuals, movements, cultures, technology and ideas have shaped world history. (4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.3) Skills: • Students will create and use research questions to focus inquiry on social studies issues and historical events. (5.1.2) • Students will evaluate the validity, reliability, and credibility of primary and secondary sources when researching an event in world history. (4.3.1, 5.2.2) • Students will create strategies to avoid plagiarism and respect intellectual property when developing a paper or presentation. (5.4.2) Sample Essay Outline Introduction Brief background information about the historical question Thesis clearly identifying a position on the historical question Overview of main points of support for the position Body Paragraphs Reason #1 for the position on the historical question Present and explain evidence from primary and/or secondary sources supports reason #1. Cite the sources of information Reason #2 for the position on the historical question Present and explain evidence from primary and/or secondary sources supports reason #2. Cite the sources of information Reason #3 for the position on the historical question Present and explain evidence from primary and/or secondary sources supports reason #3. Cite the sources of information Conclusion Reiteration of the position of the paper Summarization the main points of the paper Explanation of how studying this historical question helps us to understand current issues and events Page one