What famous event in European History is depicted here?
The Assignment
Each student will choose a topic from the list provided You will then complete a written report meeting the following criteria:
LENGTH AND FORMAT: Your report should be approximately 600 words in length, which is around two pages typed, double-spaced. Typing is required.
SOURCES: You must have at least two sources for your report (maximum one encyclopedia, minimum one non-Internet). While the exact form in which you cite your sources is not important, it is essential that you do cite your sources. DO NOT PLAGIARIZE!!
CONTENT: Each of the topics below is an important time period or influence on European history that we will discuss in class. Your report should include an overview of the time period or event AND should also explain how the time period or event influenced European history. There have been books and books written on all these topics, so you will have to make choices about what information to include or not to include. The important thing is that you provide a clear and concise overview and that you explain the significance! You need to develop a thesis statement (like a topic sentence in a paragraph) and include it in the introduction to your paper. You should then organize your paper into two to four body paragraphs, each consisting of a main argument in support of your thesis. Go beyond a simple report on your topic and offer an analysis of how this issue/person/event affected peoples and nations. Try to explore the causes and effects, the “why” as well as the “what.” Make sure that you organize your content and that you follow the rules or grammar and usage we have discussed! TURN IN THE PLANNING SHEET ALONG WITH YOUR REPORT.
The Topics
Alexander the Great – life, conquest, and achievements
Hellenism – Greek empires and Greek culture after conquests of Alexander
Roman Empire – from the time of Julius Caesar to the Germanic invasions of the 300s and 400s AD
Constantine – Roman/Byzantine emperor who legalized Christianity and ruled a united empire
Justinian – greatest Byzantine emperor
Medieval Europe #1– influence and role of Christianity/Roman Catholic Church
Great Schism – events and views leading to 1054 split between eastern and western church
Medieval Europe #2 – role of feudalism; political organization
Crusades – causes, events, impact of series of battles from 1095 to 1292; How did they change
Renaissance – Northern Italy in the mid-1300s; causes and impact on arts, politics, religion
Reformation – ideas of Luther, Calvin, others and their influence during the 1500s and beyond
Age of Exploration – European activity around the globe in the 1500s and 1600s
Enlightenment – ideas and impact in 1600s and 1700s; impact on science, religion, politics
French Revolution – overthrow of French monarchy in 1789 to rise of Napoleon, ripple effects in
Napoleon – rise to power, conquests, fall from power, and impact on
Industrial Revolution – impact on wealth and national politics as well as on workers,
Imperialism –
World War I – causes and effects of the Great War
World War II – rise of fascism in Europe and its defeat
Cold War Europe – divided
European Union – drive towards one