Book Analysis Module: Eric H. Cline’s 1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed.
This information about the 1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed essay has simply been cut and pasted from this module’s assignments page. That is why the list below starts at number five. It is the same information, but it is just the information about the essay assignment.
Assignments
Complete this work before 11:59 p.m. on the due date. (See the Class Schedule document in the Important Class Information (ICI) module for the due dates.)
5) Write
This written assignment requires a 1000-word essay answer. This is a very “doable” assignment. If you are enrolled in this class, you can complete this assignment and earn a good grade. Everyone can do this! I am here to help, so if you have questions, please send them to me through Canvas.
Before starting your essay, the first thing you should do is review the “Essay Assignment Instructions (Look here for instructions on how to write a history essay in this class.)” document and the “Essay Grading Rubric” document found in the Important Class Information module. You read these during the first week of class, but now is a good time to review them. These documents have clear and specific instructions on how to write an essay in this history class and how your essay will be graded. Please note that just following the instructions (word length, formatting of citations, avoiding the use of personal pronouns and contractions, and so on) is a significant – big – part of the essay grade. Make sure to carefully read these instructions, and ask questions if you have them.
Essay Topic: For many decades, some researches argued, first, that the Bronze Age civilizations from Greece to Mesopotamia to Egypt to Cyprus and Crete were, for the most part, isolated from each other and, second, that a group known as the Sea Peoples caused a collapse of civilization at the end of the Bronze Age. Using information from this module’s assigned book, and information from Chapter 1 in The Making of the West: Peoples and Cultures, 5th edition, analyze the validity of those two conclusions.
Keep the following information in mind when writing your essay:
- Sources for your essay:
- Include specific and cited information from at least three chapters in 1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed.
- Include specific and cited information from at least one primary source excerpt found in 1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed, and analyze that primary source.
- Include specific and cited information from the textbook The Making of the West: Peoples and Cultures, 5th edition, Chapter 1: Early Western Civilization, 400,000 – 1000 B.C.E.
- Review the “Essay Assignments Instructions” document in the ICI module. This document includes important information like the word length requirement, formatting instructions, citation instructions and so much more that no one will be able to stop reading this fun web page.
- When reading the book, 1177 B.C., take notes that will help you write your essay.
- Ask the instructor, that’s me, any questions you have about this assignment as soon as possible. I am happy to help you.
Final Thoughts
You are going to do great! Here are the keys to success with this essay.
First, closely follow all the formatting instructions in the “Essay Assignment Instructions” document. For example, make sure to cite your information (both direct quotes and specific information not in quotes) as shown in the instructions.
Second, the essay answer should demonstrate one’s analytical and critical thinking skills, a careful reading of 1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed, the textbook, at least one primary sources, and the “Essay Assignment Instructions” document. (In other words, this is not a book report, rather one needs to analyze the information and provide a logical, detailed and well-written answer to the question. Everyone in the class can do this!)
Third, make sure to use all three required sources (1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed, the textbook, at least one primary source found in 1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed).
Fourth, have a general introduction paragraph, three main paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph.
Fifth, most importantly, send me your questions through Canvas as early as possible. I’m here to help, and I want you to succeed.
One last point, turn in the essay. Even if you don’t think it is your best work, or you were rushed and did not use all three sources, or your essay is too short and does not meet the 1,000-word requirement – still turn in what you have. It is better to earn some points than no points at all. Of course, do your best work. This is an important assignment.
Conclusion
If you have questions about this module, please let me know. If you have questions about the essay, please send me a Canvas message as soon as possible. I’m here to help, and I’m glad to help.